Old Thom, The Only Known Killer Whale To Regularly Visit The Bay of Fundy, Makes Rare Appearance Near Grand Manan

The Bay of Fundy recently witnessed a remarkable event as Old Thom, the legendary orca, surprised a whale-watching boat from St. Andrews with a special appearance. This was only the second documented instance of Old Thom being sighted north of Grand Manan, reaffirming his status as the only known whale to regularly visit the Bay of Fundy.

Danielle Dion from Quoddy Link Marine was leading a whale-watching excursion at the time and described the awe-inspiring encounter. "Last night, we were searching for a fin whale when I spotted a humpback tail. To my surprise, it turned out to be Old Thom, accompanied by a pod of dolphins. Seeing an orca in the Bay of Fundy is extremely rare, making this sighting truly special," said Dion, who captured the event on video.

For almost two decades, Old Thom has been a familiar presence in the Bay of Fundy, particularly during the months of July and August near Grand Manan. Although he does not travel with other killer whales, he is often found in the company of a pod of dolphins, creating a unique spectacle for onlookers.

Dion shared her insights on Old Thom's consistent presence. "Since 2005, Old Thom has been a regular visitor to the Bay of Fundy. He has grown from a juvenile into an adult male, often seen travelling with large groups of dolphins. The dolphins appear incredibly relaxed in his presence, which is truly remarkable."

Old Thom's distinctive dorsal fin, which features a notch, has made him easily recognizable to locals and whale experts, allowing them to identify his visits to the Bay of Fundy year after year. This sighting, however, marks only the second time Old Thom has been spotted north of Grand Manan, making it a particularly significant event.

As August, one of the most popular months for whale watching, begins, marine enthusiasts and locals are eagerly anticipating further sightings of Old Thom. Whether Old Thom will continue to grace the waters of the Bay of Fundy in the coming weeks remains uncertain. However, his sporadic visits have become a cherished part of the region's natural heritage, leaving a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to witness his majestic presence.