In 2018, Tahlequah the killer whale made headlines and broke hearts after she was spotted carrying the body of her dead calf for 17 days. This month, sightings of the orca show she has recently given birth again .
According to a Facebook post by the Center for Whale Research (CWR), the new calf has been traveling with J pod since December 20, during which time the pod was observed travelling in the Puget Sound area, a coastal region near the US state of Washington.
Following longer-term observations on the young orca by scientists from NOAA’s Northwest Fisheries Science Center, researchers have been able to ascertain J35 (also known as Tahlequah) is the mother. Photos of the underside of the calf – who has been given the not-so-catchy-name J61 – reveal that she is female.
Sadly, researchers have also noted concerning behaviors from mother and child that might indicate the calf isn’t in perfect health.
“The team, including multiple experienced killer whale researchers, have expressed concern about the calf’s health based on the behavior of both J35 and J61,” CWR stated another Facebook post. “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 that she is able to keep J61 alive through these difficult early days.”
According to another Facebook post by the Orca Conservancy, experts believe J61 may be premature and have reported Tahlequah appeared in “subnormal body condition” back in October.
“Ideally mothers need to be robust with ample fat storage to help with the demands of lactation,” the Orca Conservancy stated, noting NOAA researchers observed incidents of the calf remaining underwater for extended periods of time. This suggests J61 may be nursing, or at least attempting to. The organization also points to sightings of the calf “being pushed around on J35’s head” and “not looking lively”.
Conservationists emphasize the importance of a healthy supply of salmon and other food sources to give calves the best chances of reaching adulthood.
As CWR stated, “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 be able to support themselves and their calves.”
According to Orca Conservancy, J pod is one of the most recognizable of the Southern Resident pods, in large parts thanks to its wide range. Tahlequah, who was born in 1998, is the leader of the J17 matriline (or family sub-group).
Fingers crossed there is a happier outcome for Tahlequah this time round.
Source Link: Tahlequah The Killer Whale Carried Her Dead Calf For 17 Days. Now She Has Given Birth Again
