A group of killer whales, known as orcas, delighted residents on the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia by swimming near the shore and rubbing their bellies on the rocks. Ryan Chilibeck, a Gibsons resident, was alerted to the orcas’ presence at Secret Beach Park on January 2 and hurried to witness the spectacle. He described the experience as extraordinary and once-in-a-lifetime.
The sighting gathered a crowd on the beach who watched silently as the orcas gracefully swam back and forth just a few feet away from the shore. Identified as the northern resident killer whales (NRKW) A5 pod, consisting of three different families, the unique behavior of the whales fascinated onlookers.
Jared Towers, the executive director of Bay Cetology, highlighted the rarity of the orcas rubbing their bellies on the pebbles at Secret Beach Park. This behavior is specific to the A5 pod, who are known to appreciate the particular smooth rocks found in the area. Towers explained that the whales find comfort in rubbing against these rocks, which can also help in exfoliating their active skin.
The community came together over the whale sightings, thanks to a local Facebook group that shares such encounters. Chilibeck expressed his enthusiasm as a devoted orca fan and marveled at the majestic movements of the marine mammals in the water. Glenda Sewards, who runs the Facebook group, aims to spread awareness of whale sightings so that everyone can enjoy these magnificent creatures.
The joy of witnessing the orcas and the community’s excitement over the sightings reflect the deep connection people have with these awe-inspiring marine animals.
