problem. On July 16 she positioned herself near a small boat leaving it unable to move without hitting her. Springer though would soon connect with wild whales. She began traveling consistently with the A4 Pod (her mother's closest relatives), and distant cousins in the A5 pod. It was hoped that she would form a bond with a mature female who would act as a surrogate mother. The orca known as A51 or "Nodales," a 16-year-old female from the A5 Pod who had no calf of her own, appeared to take that role. In August, A51 was observed following Springer and guiding her away from boats, which Dr. Barrett-Lennard described as a sign of "reciprocalness in the relationship. It convinced me this is not just a case of A73 finding a placid female she's following around." The bond between Springer and Nodales turned out to not be as strong as a normal mother-offspring bond in killer whales, however. Springer has since often been seen with Nawitti, a 12-year-old female from the A4 pod, and with Springer's great-aunt Yakat. On July 15, she was reportedly visiting Robson Bight, a favorite "rubbing beach" for local orcas. OrcaLab reported that she used the opportunity to rub off temporary suction cups researchers attached to her before her release. Monitors were pleased with the developments. "It's a good start," said Dr. Barrett-Lennard. Dr. John Nightingale, Director of the Vancouver Aquarium, stated on ABC World News Tonight With Peter Jennings, "I've been a fascinated spectator, watching these whales get used to each other and her integration into her larger family group." Springer has been sighted each year with her pod. "Springer is in excellent condition," reported Dr. Spong in an OrcaLab press release. "There can now be no question about the success of the return project as it is clear that Springer has resumed living a normal social life among her kin and community." KING 5 News (NBC Seattle) reported, "It was a daring, dangerous and highly publicized effort, and now it appears it worked." Motherhood In July 2013, Springer was sighted with a calf, named A104, measuring about 2.5 metres long. "That leaves no doubt the young whale was accepted by and is thriving with her pod," said environmental reporter Gary Chittim of KING 5 News (NBC Seattle). The history of Springer's story, and her successful reintroduction into a wild pod, has set the precedent for