Springer the orphaned killer whale remains in a large holding net in the waters off the coast of Vancouver Island, chasing and eating salmon and calling out to her family.

She returned home Saturday night after an 11-hour trip from an ocean pen in Washington. Observers say she seems happy – even chipper – and in good health.

Scientists say she may have been rejected by her pod after her mother died six months ago. In any event, Springer swam south and was observed frolicking in the waters of Puget Sound, swimming alongside passenger ferries.

Back in British Columbia
Back in British Columbia

"She travelled exceptionally well," David Huff, a veterinarian with the Vancouver Aquarium told a news conference at Telegraph Cove Sunday morning. Huff said Springer – as the two-year-old killer whale has been nicknamed – is in good enough health to be released from the pen.

This could happen Sunday, but it probably will be a day or two before she is released.

Huff described Springer's fish-chasing and fish-catching activities, which went on most of the night. Some 40 Pacific salmon were put in the large pen as food for the black-and-white, 560-kilogram killer whale.

David Huff
David Huff

Orcas can live to 80.

Huff said judging by the sounds Springer makes, she seems to be in good spirits.

Are we having fun yet squeal

Springer in Manchester, Washington
Springer in Manchester, Washington

"It's a high-pitched kind of squeal, which we interpret, and I think l it's accurate, as a happy, what's going on, are we having fun yet, squeal."

She was loaded into a catamaran at first light Saturday in Manchester, Wash., and seemed to enjoy the trip north, according to scientists.

Springer's handlers say they detected the killer whale crying out to her pod, which includes a grandmother, aunts and cousins. Springer was orphaned when her mother died six months ago.

It's the first time scientists have tried to reunite a wild orca with its family. The pod may not accept her, which would leave her to forage alone, unless another pod accepts her.

Springer's odyssey is being watched closely around the world.