SEATTLE (AP) -- The Orca Network says a baby orca has been born to the endangered population of killer whales that frequent Puget Sound.

The group's executive director Howard Garrett says the baby was spotted with its mother Tuesday in the waters of Canada north of San Juan Island.

The Center for Whale Research also said on its Facebook page that the baby was born to member of the J pod, one of three families of whales that spend time in the inland waters of Washington state and Canada.

Garrett says the mother is J-16, who is over 40 years old. The baby is a day or two old and appeared healthy.

The news is being celebrated after the death of a 19-year-old pregnant orca earlier this month.

The birth brings the Puget Sound orca population to 78.

More From News Talk KIT