Gambell

Gambell was part of the first group of orcas captured for the Orca Acclimation Center program. He was moved to the organization's Alaskan branch at 3 years old along with 6 year old Alaska, 5 year old Savoonga, and a 2 year old unnamed male who passed away shortly after.

Lacking the social skills and confidence of his tankmates, Gambell often prefers to stay separate from them in the smaller side pool. Alaska, the oldest member of the pod who assumed a position as the dominant matriach, would often displace Gambell when placed together for long periods, causing the young orca to break to a smaller pool to escape the tense and anxious situation.

Gambell's favorite enrichment item is a large red ball that he enjoys carrying around on his belly.

In 2021, after failing to socially integrate with his existing tank mates over the previous year, Gambell was introduced to 1 year old orca Nerka who had newly arrived to the Orca Center. Although nervous and maintaining distance at first, Gambell soon bonded with the newcomer which was a critical first step towards his integration into a larger, socially cohesive pod with Nerka, matriarch and dominant whale Alaska, Savoonga, Coho and Chinook.

After a year of planning and preparation 5 year old Gambell was moved to the Murry Zoo in 2022 with Alaska, Savoonga, and Nerka. Because of the Zoo's planned pod structuring, Gambell was housed primarily with only Nerka to form Pod B.

History

 * 1) Born in Alaska, 2017
 * 2) Captured in 2020
 * 3) Moved in 2020 to OAC Alaska
 * 4) Moved in 2022 to Murry Zoo