Questions surround baby whale's health

Canadian whale experts say U.S. officials are jumping the gun when they say "Springer", the orphaned orca living in Puget Sound, is ready to be taken home to Canadian waters.

FROM JUNE 13, 2002: Orphan orca captured in Puget Sound

The two-year-old calf was captured last month, after spending months near Vashon Island. U.S. officials say the whale has passed all her medical tests, and is ready for release.

Officials hope to reunite "Springer" with her pod in Johnstone Strait off the northeast coast of Vancouver Island.

However, John Nightingale of the Vancouver Aquarium says he isn't sure her immune system could handle a move right now.

"The final question that's being debated is the exact state of her immune system. Obviously, if she's coming down with something, that's not the time you want to pick her up and transport her.

INDEPTH: Orca: A Whale for the Watching

Nightingale says the details surrounding the whale's move should be sorted out in the next couple of days.

LINK: Vancouver Aquarium