Orca Who Carried Dead Calf for 17 Days in 2018 Welcomes a New Baby

Orca

Tahlequah, the Famous Southern Resident Killer Whale, Gives Birth Again

Tahlequah, the orca who captured global attention in 2018 after carrying her deceased calf for 17 days and over 1,000 miles, has given birth again, according to the Center for Whale Research.

New Calf Spotted in Puget Sound

Researchers spotted the newborn killer whale several days ago in the Puget Sound, off the coast of Washington state. On Tuesday, the Center for Whale Research confirmed that Tahlequah (J35) is the mother of the calf, now designated J61.

While the birth is a hopeful milestone, marine biologists have raised concerns about the calf’s health.

“The team, including experienced killer whale researchers, have expressed concern about the calf’s health based on the behavior of both J35 and J61,” the Center for Whale Research shared in a Facebook post.

They noted that early life is especially risky for newborn orcas, with high mortality rates in the first year. However, as an experienced mother, scientists are optimistic that Tahlequah can help J61 survive these critical early days.

Possible Premature Birth Raises Concerns

The Seattle-based Orca Conservancy suggested on social media that researchers believe the calf may have been born prematurely. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has observed J61 spending extended periods underwater, possibly indicating nursing or attempts to nurse.

Additionally, researchers noted that Tahlequah was seen pushing the calf on her head, a behavior reminiscent of her 2018 mourning ritual, raising concerns about the newborn’s condition. However, calf behavior is not fully understood, and experts continue to monitor J61 closely.

Tahlequah’s Growing Family & Endangered Status of Southern Resident Orcas

This isn’t Tahlequah’s first successful birth since her tragic loss in 2018. In 2020, she welcomed another calf, a significant event given that up to 70% of orca pregnancies end in miscarriage or early calf death.

Southern Resident Killer Whales, like Tahlequah, are the only endangered population of killer whales in the U.S., according to NOAA. In 2020, the Southern Resident orca population was estimated at just 72 individuals, and despite a few recent births, the species continues to struggle with declining numbers.

“Southern Resident killer whales need ample access to salmon, their primary food source, to survive and thrive,” the Center for Whale Research emphasized.

Conservationists continue to advocate for the removal of dams, habitat restoration, and sustainable fisheries management to support orca survival and population recovery.

Source: CBS News


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