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HomeEnvironmental ImpactsGrieving Orca Mother Loses Second Calf in 2018 and Newborn Female

Grieving Orca Mother Loses Second Calf in 2018 and Newborn Female

Heartbreak in the Pacific Northwest: Tahlequah, the Grieving Orca, Loses Another Calf

The Pacific Northwest population of southern resident killer whales (SRKW) is facing a devastating loss as Tahlequah, a 25-year-old member of the group, has lost another newborn female calf. This heartbreaking news comes seven years after Tahlequah made headlines for swimming with her deceased calf for 17 days in an act of grieving.

Southern resident killer whales are a critically endangered population of orcas, with only 73 individuals remaining. The loss of a female calf like J61 is considered a significant blow to the population, as there are just 23 breeding females left. The primary food source for these whales is Chinook salmon, which has been in steep decline for years, impacting their nutrition and reproduction.

Conservation groups have called on the Canadian government to issue an emergency order to protect the imperiled species. The southern resident killer whales face threats from disturbance and noise from vessels, fishing gear, plastics, and other pollution in the food chain.

Tahlequah’s deep mourning for her calves has been a symbol of the plight of the southern resident killer whales. Scientists are closely monitoring her as she continues to care for her surviving son born in 2020. The recent loss of J61 has left researchers deeply saddened, as the mortality rate for orca calves in their first year is high.

Despite the tragic loss, there is a glimmer of hope as another calf born to the same pod was spotted recently. The gender and mother of the newborn have not been confirmed, but the calf appears to be healthy, bringing hope to the population.

Tahlequah’s profound display of grief for her calves has resonated with scientists, who believe that orcas, like humans, experience emotions such as grief and mourning. As researchers continue to study and monitor the southern resident killer whales, they remain hopeful for the future of this endangered population.

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