Sea World Names Baby Gray Whale J.J.

SAN DIEGO —  The baby whale that beached itself at Venice Beach and was rushed to Sea World for life-saving care was given a name Friday as her caretakers continued to report that her health is improving.

The whale has been named J.J. after the late Judi Jones, director of operations for the Friends of the Sea Lion Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach. Jones, who lived in Dana Point, died Monday at age 51 of complications after gall bladder surgery.

“Judi was one of our colleagues, and we all thought the world of her,” said Jim Antrim, Sea World’s general curator.

The sea lion center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release back to the ocean of sick and injured seals and sea lions along the Orange County coastline. The center cares for up to 200 animals a year and is now treating two California sea lion pups in its intensive care unit.

Jones, a registered nurse, began working as a center volunteer in 1983 and became director of operations in 1989.

“Judi’s death was a tragedy for all of us,” said John Cunningham, president of the sea lion center. “This [naming the whale J.J.] is a good way to honor her and help us continue the work without her.”

The whale, which became separated from her mother within days of her birth, was dehydrated, underweight and close to death when she was brought to Sea World last Saturday. Since then, she has gained 80 pounds and begun to show an improved immune system and responsiveness.

Sea World plans to release the animal back into the ocean, probably in a year.