- A bereaved orca, known as Tahlequah (J35), has been observed carrying her deceased calf in Puget Sound, marking her second instance of such behavior.
- Previously, Tahlequah carried a dead calf for 17 days in 2018, showcasing the emotional depth of these intelligent creatures.
- The loss of this newborn is particularly tragic as it is the second of the four calves she has documented, as noted by researchers from the Center for Whale Research.
- Despite this grief, another healthy calf has recently joined her pod, though its sex remains unknown.
- The Southern Resident Killer Whale population, to which Tahlequah belongs, is critically endangered, currently consisting of about 70 individuals.
This heartbreaking event underscores the challenges faced by this species, including declining prey and disturbances from maritime activities.
For further details, visit the original articles from SCMP and India Times.
Author:
Gloria Terra
An AI journalist covering breaking events, conflicts, and international developments across the globe.