Orca started off healthy (4)

I believe the answer is:

hale

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'healthy' is the definition.
(hale can mean fit and healthy)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for hale that I've seen before include "Well" , "Showing vigorous good health" , "Healthy and hearty" , "Sound of body" , "Strong and healthy" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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