Bare Facts: Female ~ Born 1983 ~ Died 2001 ~ Mother Kelsey ~ Father Strider ~ Children A68, Springer ~ ID Large notch near top of fin; open saddle; very round tip

Sutlej, who was most likely named after Sutlej Channel, was born in 1983, to Kelsey (A24). Her father was Strider (A6), which we know thanks to genetic testing.
The same year she was born, A10 (her grandmother) died, leaving Kelsey and her sister Yakat in charge. The year after, A10's probable brother, A4, died as well.
Kelsey had already lost one calf, A41, two years earlier, so you'd think she would be extra careful with Sutlej. However, Kelsey's mothering skills are a little questionable, and like all her other calves, she let Sutlej wander maybe a little too much.
When Sutlej was just 2 years old, Kelsey had another calf, A49. Sadly, her new brother/sister died a year later. The same year, Kelsey and Sutlej began to travel away from Yakat and her family.
Two years after A49's death, Sutlej gained a sister, Scylla (A53). She finally had a playmate!
Sadly, when Scylla was only four years old, she too died. The same year, Kelsey had another calf, Surf (A58). Adding more depressing news, Surf died a year later as well.
Sutlej was 12 years old and nearing maturity herself when Kelsey gave birth to Schooner in 1995.
In 1997, when Schooner was two (and yes, alive!) and Sutlej herself was 14, Sutlej had her first calf, A68. Sadly, she followed in her mother's footsteps, and the calf died the same year.
In June 1999, Sutlej gained another sister/brother in Magin (A71). The next year, Sutlej gave birth again, to A73.
A73, a little female calf, survived her perilous first year. Sadly, Sutlej didn't. In 2001, Sutlej died, leaving the one year old orphan behind.
Springer's saga, of course, was just beginning....
Sutlej was immediately recognizable, with her oddly shaped fin and distinctive saddle patch. She also had a call that only she made; a low, high, low sound. Interestingly, Springer now makes that call as well, and she is the only whale to make it.
Sutlej can be seen with baby Springer on the OrcaLive Highlights 2002 DVD.