An orca calf stranded in a lake in Canada will be airlifted to the ocean, rescuers said

VANCOUVER, Canada (AP) — An orca calf stranded in a remote tidal lagoon north of Vancouver Island will be airlifted from the area in an effort to reunite it with its family, Canadian authorities said Wednesday.

The plan involves putting the 2-year-old calf in a harness, removing it from the lake by helicopter and placing it in a net pen in the ocean while it waits for its family to be nearby for its release, according to the Department of Fisheries. First Nations fisheries officials said.

Rescuers were unable to remove the calf from the area since its pregnant mother became stranded in the lake at low tide and died on March 23.

The plan was agreed upon during a meeting between Ehattesaht First Nation council members, fisheries department officials and marine technical experts.

Ehattesaht First Nation Chief Simon John said his people have a deep cultural and spiritual connection to killer whales and have received calls of interest and support from around the world.

Paul Cottrell, marine mammal coordinator for the Department of Fisheries, said the rescue would take place within the next two weeks.