A killer whale named Tahlequah, who captured the world's attention after carrying her dead calf for 17 days, has recently become a mother once more. Following the heartbreaking loss of her first offspring, which she bore for over 1,000 miles, Tahlequah, also known as J35, has now welcomed another calf named J61. The sighting on December 20, 2024, occurred within the Puget Sound area, sparking both joy and concern among researchers and conservationists.
The Center for Whale Research (CWR) reported the new calf’s birth but quickly followed up with alarming warnings about her health. Observers noted concerning behaviors from both Tahlequah and J61. It was reported, "Early life is always dangerous for new calves, with a very high mortality rate in the first year. J35 is an experienced mother, and we hope she is able to keep J61 alive through these difficult early days." Despite her experience, the challenges of motherhood remain significant.
J61, identified as female, was first photographed by nature enthusiasts who expressed their shock upon realizing the calf was traveling with Tahlequah. They detailed how the diminished size of J61’s dorsal fin revealed her youth compared to the pod's known young whales. Initial observations indicate worrying signs: the calf appears less lively, having been seen resting on her mother’s head.
The Orca Conservancy echoed these concerns, noting symptoms such as J61 being seen underwater for prolonged periods, which might suggest nursing difficulties. While researchers have verified J35’s status as the mother, there are notable signs of her poor health prior to the birth. Reports from October described her as being in “subnormal body condition.” This raises alarms surrounding the calf’s ability to thrive.
One significant factor affecting this Southern Resident killer whale population, which includes the J Pod to which Tahlequah belongs, is food availability. Characteristically, orcas rely mostly on salmon, which has seen significant declines due to human impacts on the ecosystem. The CWR emphasized, “The Southern Resident killer whale population needs ample access to their food supply, mainly salmon, to survive and thrive. Every single birth counts, and these whales need enough fish to support themselves and their calves.”
Experts underline the importance of maintaining healthy salmon stocks through habitat recovery, removal of dams, and rational fisheries management, as these initiatives could create more favorable conditions for both the whales and their food supply. Without stable food sources, the births of calves like J61 may not result in long-term population growth.
Born around 1998, Tahlequah serves as the matriarch of the J17 lineage, and since 2018, the number of Southern Resident killer whales has remained concerningly low, with estimates indicating as few as 75 currently exist. This small population drastically influences their breeding success, as the loss of any member reverberates through their community.
The recent birth has sparked hope, but due to previous experiences with maternal and calf mortality, the anxiety surrounding J61’s health is palpable. Given J35's past experience carrying her deceased calf, the pressure weighs heavily on her as she navigates the difficulties of rearing her new offspring. The stark reality of high mortality rates for calves, rooted in lack of food and other environmental challenges, calls for immediate action from conservation groups.
Tahlequah's situation serves as both a poignant reminder of the fragility of the Southern Resident killer whale population and the resilience exhibited by these magnificent creatures. Each calf's survival symbolizes hope for future generations of orcas, encapsulating the pressing need for environmental care and action to prevent potential loss.
Tahlequah’s latest chapter, filled with hope yet marked by caution, highlights the collective commitment to preserving the lives of these whales. Activists and researchers remain dedicated to enhancing conditions for the Southern Resident pods, seeking to reverse the distressing trends threatening the orca population's survival. While the immediate future for J61 remains uncertain, the efforts of the community around Tahlequah will play at least some role in determining the outcome for this latest calf, which stands as the newest chance for recovery.
