Rescuers were getting worried that they might not be able to save the orca calf.

The 2-year-old — given a name that means “Brave Little Hunter” by the local First Nation people — had been stuck in a lagoon in Canada’s far west since March 23. Although she looked healthy after weeks trapped in the body of water, her survival chances were dwindling with each day. Repeated attempts to entice her out into the open seas had failed. Other options, such as lifting her out with a helicopter, were potentially dangerous, the rescuers said.