Atlas Winston
Friday, January 03
2 weeks ago
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SCMP
INDIATIMES
Credited from: SCMP
A bereaved female orca, known as Tahlequah or J35, was observed carrying her deceased newborn calf in Puget Sound off Seattle, marking the second time she has exhibited this heart-wrenching behavior. The Center for Whale Research reported this sighting on New Year’s Day, highlighting the emotional complexity of whale behavior.
Previously, in 2018, Tahlequah made headlines by carrying her dead calf for an extended period of 17 days. Ken Balcomb, founder of the Center for Whale Research, described her actions as a “tragic tour of grief” during that time. This latest loss is particularly devastating, as it represents the second dead calf out of her four documented offspring. The center noted the necessity for ongoing observation to better understand the implications of this event.
Despite this sorrow, the pod of Southern Resident Killer Whales, to which Tahlequah belongs, has welcomed another healthy newborn, although its sex remains unspecified. These endangered orcas, whose population hovers around 70 whales across just three pods, are increasingly threatened by factors such as dwindling prey and disturbances from maritime activities, according to the National Marine Fisheries Service. The plight of these remarkable creatures underscores the challenges facing marine biodiversity in our waters.
Learn more about this situation via the India Times, where further updates on Tahlequah and her pod will be shared.
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