The recent sighting of a new orca calf, affectionately designated J61, has stirred both hope and concern among researchers following its arrival with the endangered southern resident killer whales. Spotted for the first time on December 20th, the calf has been confirmed as female and is seen traveling with J pod, particularly with her mother, J35, known as Tahlequah.
Since the initial sighting, detailed observations have raised alarms about the health of J61. The Centre for Whale Research reported on December 23rd, with increasing urgency, concerns about the calf's well-being, particularly mentioning its premature development. J61 was observed being pushed around on J35’s head and not displaying typical lively behaviours. This has prompted questions from researchers associated with the Orca Conservancy, which actively works to recover the southern resident population.
“The calf is believed to be premature,” the Orca Conservancy noted, emphasizing the potential struggles newborns often face against the backdrop of the species' already precarious state. They noted, “Calf behaviour is not fully understood,” which adds complexity to these observations. The calf's tendency to remain underwater for extended durations raises concerns about its nourishment, even as it attempts to nurse from its mother.
Adding to the worries, J35, who gave birth to J61, was reported to be “in subnormal body condition” back in October, heightening concerns about her ability to provide adequate nourishment. “Ideally mothers need to be healthy, with ample fat storage to help with the demands of lactation,” said Orca Conservancy, stressing the importance of maternal health for calf survival.
Statistically, the southern resident killer whale population faces significant challenges, with calf mortality rates as dire as 50 percent. Yet, the Centre for Whale Research remains cautiously optimistic due to J35's past performances as a mother, having successfully reared two other calves, J47 and J57. “J35 is an experienced mother, and we hope she is able to keep J61 alive through these difficult early days,” they remarked, highlighting the nurturing capabilities of J35.
The recent sighting of J61 was initially met with optimism as news circulated about the southern resident population. Unfortunately, this optimism is shadowed by the realities faced by the species, whose numbers have drastically declined. Recent reports from November indicated the population has dwindled to just 72 individuals after the disappearance of another adult male and one calf, both presumed dead.
Despite these challenges, the efforts to monitor J61's development and health will continue as the Centre for Whale Research and the Orca Conservancy prioritize follow-up observations. They expressed eagerness to assess the calf’s behaviour and physical condition, to gauge the survival chances moving forward. For now, J35 and her new calf represent not only familial bonds but also the continued fight for survival within the broader narrative of the southern resident killer whale population.
Detailed and continuous observation over the coming weeks will be necessary, as researchers navigate the intricacies of the calf's behaviours, maternal health, and available resources. For the sake of the orca community and their habitat, every effort will be put forth to grasp the outcome of this new chapter for J pod.
