Whale Mother Mourns: Seen with Dead Calf Again
Tahlequah, the Orca who captured global attention in 2018 for carrying her dead calf for 17 days, has once again been seen with another deceased cub in the Puget Sound area, confirmed by the Washington-based Whale Research Center.
The cub, identified as J61, was initially thought to be healthy by researchers. However, it soon became apparent that the cub was facing health issues shortly after birth. Despite the efforts of J35, an experienced mother, to keep her cub alive during this challenging time, J61 tragically passed away.
The loss of J61 is particularly devastating as she had the potential to continue a new lineage in the future, being a female cub and with her mother having lost two previous offspring. With the critically endangered status of the southern resident killer whales reflecting the crisis in the entire ecosystem, there is an urgent need for more effective protection measures.
The southern resident population has dwindled to just 73 individuals, with only 23 females estimated to be capable of reproduction. This alarming decline has prompted calls for Canada’s environment minister to utilize a rarely-used legal tool to protect this endangered species. Similar measures have been taken in the past for other at-risk species in Canada, highlighting the severity of the situation.
As experts work to address the threats facing the southern resident killer whales, it is clear that immediate action is needed to ensure the survival of this iconic species. Each loss of offspring brings immense sorrow and highlights the urgency of conservation efforts to safeguard the future of these majestic creatures.
