In a poignant display of grief, an endangered orca known as Tahlequah (J35) has been observed carrying her dead calf in Puget Sound near Seattle, echoing the heartbreaking behavior she exhibited in 2018. The Center for Whale Research, based in Washington State, confirmed the tragic news on New Year’s Day, marking another devastating loss for the Southern Resident killer whale population.

“J35 has been seen carrying the body of the dead calf,” the center shared in an Instagram post on Thursday. This is not the first time Tahlequah has been seen mourning in this manner. In 2018, she carried a deceased newborn for 17 days, at times nudging the calf with her nose or gripping it with her mouth. “It’s a very tragic tour of grief,” Ken Balcomb, founder of the Center for Whale Research, remarked to NPR at the time.

The latest loss: A blow to the population

The center reported that the recent loss is particularly devastating as the deceased calf was female, a critical factor for a population already struggling to grow. This marks the second loss among Tahlequah’s four documented calves. “The loss of the latest female newborn was particularly devastating,” the center noted, adding that further observations will provide additional insights.

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A glimmer of hope: A newborn in the pod

Amid the mourning, there is a sliver of hope for the endangered population. The center confirmed that Tahlequah’s pod had welcomed a new calf. “The calf’s sex is not yet known, but the team reports that the calf appeared physically and behaviorally normal,” the researchers said.

Southern resident killer whales: A population in peril

Tahlequah belongs to the Southern Resident killer whale population, a group of three pods listed as endangered in the United States. With only about 70 individuals remaining, this population faces numerous threats, including diminished prey availability, ship noise, and habitat disturbances.

The whales frequent Puget Sound waters during the spring and fall, but their numbers have steadily declined due to these environmental pressures, according to the National Marine Fisheries Service.

Whales and their complex grief

Orcas are among the world’s most intelligent animals, capable of experiencing grief and displaying intricate social behaviors. Tahlequah’s repeated acts of mourning serve as a stark reminder of the emotional depth of these marine mammals and the urgent need to protect them.

The Center for Whale Research continues to monitor Tahlequah and her pod, working to gather more information about their plight. The dual stories of loss and life in this endangered community highlight the fragile balance of survival for these remarkable creatures.