Stranded Baby Orca In New Zealand Sparks Nationwide Search For His Pod

The orca calf, named Toa, which means hero in Māori, is receiving round-the-clock care.

A baby orca named Toa has captured the hearts of New Zealanders and sparked a frantic nationwide search for his family after he was found stranded on rocks nearly two weeks ago. The calf, thought to be 3 to 6 months old, has been receiving round-the-clock care from a massive cast that includes whale rescue groups, volunteers, the local Māori tribe Ngāti Toa Rangatira and the country’s Department of Conservation (DOC). Orcas don’t typically wean until 1 to 2 years of age, meaning he requires constant monitoring.