J.J. CLOSING IN ON WHALE POD.

Byline: Daily News

Still exploring her new home in the ocean, J.J. the orphaned gray whale was last seen Thursday within a mile of three other whales making their way toward Alaska.

That has Sea World San Diego researchers excited because they hope the California gray whale now will hook up with her fellow leviathans and accompany them on their migratory route.

``It is going to make it more likely she will follow them,'' said Sea World spokeswoman Jonna Rae Bartgas.

The so-called pod of whales near J.J. include a female gray whale, a calf and another adult, Bartgas said.

``Although they are solitary, they all tend to migrate at the same time. It has been compared to rush hour traffic where everyone is traveling at the same time.''

The California gray whale, released into the ocean off San Diego Bay three days ago, has concerned scientists because she did not immediately head north but instead stayed nearby.

One encouraging sign is that J.J. is making noises, which will help her contact other whales. ``So far it's looking real optimistic. She is vocalizing all over the place, which is terrific,'' Bartgas said.

J.J. was rescued about a year ago near Venice where she became stranded on a beach. She was nursed back to health at Sea World and released Tuesday into the Pacific Ocean not far from where she was sighted Thursday.