Killer whale calf missing dorsal fin named after late cricketer Shane Warne's famous flipper

Researchers have stumbled across a three-month-old orca calf thriving in its habitat off the south coast of Western Australia, despite missing a dorsal fin. 

The calf was spotted with his pod in an area called The Patch, a favourite hunting ground for orca, in the waters off Bremer Bay. 

Gemma Sharp, who operates a whale-watching charter vessel, said the unique youngster's appearance took her by surprise.

«We couldn't believe it … this tiny little calf popped up and he had no dorsal fin,» she said.

«We all had to look twice to make sure we were seeing it correctly.»

Ms Sharp said tour operators and researchers who frequented the Bremer Canyon loved to name the orca after historical events.

«We were just as devastated as many Australians to hear the news of Shane Warne passing and we met this calf a couple of days after that happened,» she said. 

«We were sitting, as a family, thinking we need a really special name for this little orca — Warnie.»

Shane Warne was famous for a bowling technique known as the 'flipper', with a trademark skidding delivery.

'Isn't it amazing how this little calf is also missing his flipper?" Ms Sharp said.

«Whenever we see him, we'll always remind ourselves of how we will always miss Warnie.»

Ms Sharp said she was unsure what exactly would have led to the fin becoming removed but there were some likely possibilities.

«It could be genetics, that is a possibility,» she said.

«The other thing is sometimes when calves are born there's a bit of difficulty in that process.»

Thrilled researchers capture a rare recording of an orca as she glides close to a tourist vessel.

She said the family sometimes helped the mother orca during labour.

«They'll help pull the calf from Mum,» she said.

«They're born tail first [and]