Orphaned killer whale Springer gives birth off B.C. coast

A starving, orphaned killer whale named Springer was captured, rehabilitated and successfully reunited with its pod off Vancouver Island's north coast eleven years ago.

This week, scientists discovered that Springer, now 13, is a new mom, having recently given birth to a "fat and happy" calf.

John Ford, head of the cetacean research program at the Pacific Biological Station in Nanaimo, B.C., told the Canadian Press that Springer's story proves that rehabilitation with whales can pay off.

"I think this clearly is another sign that such rehabilitation is possible," he said. "We are, of course, very pleased and gratified that after all the effort that went into Springer's rehabilitation and release by so many different groups and people that she continued to thrive.

"And of course, having her first calf pretty much right on schedule at 13 years old is a great sign that she's a normal functioning member of the community again," Ford added.

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According to officials, Springer is the first known case of an orca being captured, rehabilitated and successfully released back to their pod, CBC News reported.

"It was just a relief for me after all these years since her reintroduction. It's the ultimate success, I think," Ford said of Springer becoming a mother.

"Both appear to be robust and doing very well," he told CBC News.