Tahlequah, the Southern Resident killer whale known as J35, has captured global attention once more as she mourns her deceased calf, J61, in Puget Sound. This heartbreaking display of maternal grief echoes her earlier journey in 2018 when she carried her dead calf for 17 days over 1,000 miles.
First spotted on December 20, 2024, J61 was confirmed dead by New Year's Eve. As of January 5, 2025, Tahlequah continues to carry her calf's body, weighing approximately 300 pounds, nudging it with her snout to keep it close.
Dr. Michael Weiss, a researcher at the Center for Whale Research, emphasizes the strength of the mother-calf bond in killer whales, one of the strongest social relationships in the animal kingdom. The loss is particularly significant for the Southern Resident population, which has dwindled to just 73 individuals, making it one of the most critically endangered marine mammal populations in the U.S.
Experts note that while some female orcas have been known to grieve similarly, the duration and distance of Tahlequah's mourning is extraordinary. This behavior raises concerns about her physical and emotional well-being, especially as carrying the calf's weight could hinder her ability to forage for food.
Historically, nearly 70% of pregnancies in this population end in spontaneous abortion or early death, exacerbating the challenges faced by these orcas. The loss of J61 further threatens the reproductive potential of this fragile population, as female calves are crucial for future generations.