The scientific community is currently investigating the potential of AI technology to facilitate the reunification of a recently orphaned orca whale calf with her family pod. The young calf, affectionately dubbed “Brave Little Hunter” by the Ehattesaht First Nation, found herself stranded in a lagoon off Little Espinosa Inlet in British Columbia, Canada after her pregnant mother passed away.
Despite the efforts of the local community and various attempts to assist her, Brave Little Hunter remained stuck in the lagoon for nearly a month. However, in the early hours of April 26, she managed to find her way to freedom and has since been making her way towards Esperanza Inlet. The hope is that she will soon reconnect with her family in the open ocean.
While the calf’s chances of survival are relatively good, the opportunity to reunite with her pod would greatly enhance her prospects. As a result, the use of AI technology has emerged as a potential avenue to assist in this effort. Bay Cetology, a research group based in British Columbia, has provided access to their AI-assisted photo database to local photographers and whale watching tour operators in an attempt to locate Brave Little Hunter’s pod.
The AI program, known as Finwave, is currently in beta-tests, boasting an impressive accuracy rate of over 90 percent when identifying images of whales. This innovative use of AI technology holds much promise in the endeavor to reunite Brave Little Hunter with her pod and, subsequently, increase her chances of thriving.
It is worth noting that in early April, Brave Little Hunter’s pod was sighted off Ucluelet, BC, approximately 90 miles south of Zeballos. There is a collective hope that the young calf will successfully make her way back to her pod and continue to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
In conclusion, the use of AI technology in reuniting orca calves with their families represents a promising advancement in conservation efforts. As Brave Little Hunter embarks on her journey towards reconnecting with her pod, the integration of AI serves as a beacon of hope for her future.