ZEBALLOS, B.C. — A Vancouver Island First Nation that has adopted a young killer whale as its newest family member says concern rises about its ordeal with each day that passes, but strong hope for a rescue remains.

The Ehattesaht First Nation says in a statement people have been listening to to the female orca calf’s calls on a hydrophone, describing the vocalizations as so filled with longing they “make you almost weep.”