Two killer whales were spotted off the coast of San Diego Thursday morning.
It’s unusual to see them in San Diego's water, but what is even more unique is that it was a mother orca and her calf.
A whale watching group went out early on Thursday and saw the two killer whales.
“We are seeing a calf--very playful even with dolphins which is unique for orcas and of course, the mom is nearby,” said owner of Adventure Rib Rides Kenny Manzoni.
Killer whales in San Diego’s territory are not something people see every day, said Manzoni. And the reason they’re in local waters is the increase of nutrition.
“There has been an increase in pinnipeds in the area and that’s their favorite food source,” he said.
Katie and Jack Montou came from Las Vegas with small expectations of what they would see on the tour, saying they hoped to see dolphins or birds. But what they ended up seeing an orca swimming feet from their boat.
“It was amazing. It’s different seeing them in the wild,” said Katie. “And they were friendly too. They swam next to use for 20-30 minutes.”
Manzoni says people shouldn’t be worried about orcas swimming close to the beaches, and he’s never heard of an attack of a person in San Diego.
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