Tahlequah, a killer whale widely known for her emotional display in 2018, has been spotted again in a state of mourning. The Center for Whale Research has confirmed that the orca is once again supporting the lifeless form of her newborn calf. This tragic sighting occurred off the coast near Seattle, reviving memories of her heart-wrenching journey with her first calf that she carried for an astonishing 17 days in 2018.
The Center noted that while calf mortality is a significant loss for any whale, the emotional impact of Tahlequah's latest loss is heightened given her troubled history. Having now lost two of her four identified calves—both females—this event underscores the precarious status of Southern Resident killer whales, which are both Canadian and American listed as endangered.
The decline of their primary food source, Chinook salmon, is jeopardizing their survival. As noted by researchers from the University of Washington, failures in reproduction among the population are tied to poor nutrition and limited access to this vital prey.
These whales, known to traverse an average of 120 kilometers (75 miles) each day, are facing increased pressures amidst changing ocean conditions and habitat challenges. The haunting image of Tahlequah supporting another deceased calf raises urgent awareness about the plight of these iconic marine mammals and their habitat's critical need for conservation efforts.
