Summary
An orca named J36 was seen carrying its dead newborn calf near the San Juan Islands in Washington state. This event is the second time this year a southern resident orca has been observed with a deceased calf, highlighting the reproductive challenges faced by this endangered whale population. Scientists believe these whales carry their dead calves as a form of mourning.
Key Facts
- An orca named J36 was observed carrying its dead newborn calf in Washington waters.
- The calf still had its umbilical cord attached, indicating it was very young.
- The southern resident orca population is critically endangered, with only 73 individuals remaining as of last year.
- Orcas and other whales have been known to carry dead calves, which might be a grieving behavior.
- Earlier this year, another orca named Tahlequah also carried her deceased calf, J61.
- Southern resident orcas face reproductive challenges due to declining Chinook salmon populations, pollution, and noise from boats.
- Calf mortality in orcas is already high, and environmental issues are making it worse.
- Researchers continue to monitor the whales and push for recovery efforts.
