Grieving Orca Mother Carries Dead Calf Again, Raising Concerns for Endangered Population

A Grieving Mother Whale Carries Her Dead Calf Again

Tahlequah, a mother orca whale known for carrying the body of her dead newborn for 17 days in 2018, has tragically lost another calf. Researchers believe she is once again carrying the body in an apparent act of grief.

The Center for Whale Research announced the loss on New Year's Day, stating that Tahlequah, also known as J35, has now lost two of her four documented calves. The new female calf was initially spotted with J pod in the Puget Sound area, but concerns arose about its health. Sadly, the calf did not survive.

Researchers are unsure of the cause of death and a necropsy is unlikely due to Tahlequah's strong attachment to the body. This attachment raises concerns about her well-being, as carrying the calf's body increases drag and makes foraging more difficult during a time of limited fish availability.

Despite the added burden, Tahlequah remains integrated with her pod. However, experts are worried about the impact of this loss on her overall health.

The death of any calf among the endangered southern resident killer whale population is a significant blow, but this loss is particularly devastating due to the calf's sex and J35's history. While other orcas have been observed carrying dead calves, the duration of J35's behavior in 2018 was unprecedented.

Experts believe that Tahlequah is grieving the loss of her calf. Recent research suggests that orcas share similar neurotransmitters with humans, indicating the potential for similar emotional experiences.

The loss of this calf highlights the precarious situation of the southern resident killer whale population. With only 73 individuals remaining, including just 23 breeding females, the future of this population is uncertain.

Conservationists emphasize the urgent need for better protection measures. They point to various threats faced by the whales, including reduced fish availability, pollution, and noise pollution.

The continued decline of this population underscores the need for immediate action to address the threats they face. Failure to do so could result in the irreversible loss of these magnificent creatures.