The young whale was enticed to the lagoon outlet by members of two local first nation tribes using a small inflatable vessel and sea lion meat.  The escape involved swimming through a swift-moving, narrow channel and underneath a bridge and then immediately swimming toward the open ocean and making calls for its extended family members, according to rescue officials.

The orca has been the focus of intense rescue efforts since March 23, when her pregnant mother became stranded on a rocky beach and died. 

There were concerns that the young whale might strand itself on the same rocky beach where her mother died during low tide.

The Canadian Fisheries Department will now work with First Nations, whale watchers, researchers and boaters to monitor the location of the orca calf's extended Bigg's killer whale family.

The rescue team will continue to monitor the young orca's whereabouts, her condition, and if she has a chance to reunite with family.