Orca Tahlequah seen pushing second dead calf in WA waters

Orca Tahlequah, who gained attention in 2018 for carrying her deceased calf for 17 days, is once again grieving after the loss of her second calf, J61. The Center for Whale Research confirmed this heartbreaking news, which has resonated throughout the whale research community, reminding many of Tahlequah's earlier display of sorrow. Tragically, this follows the loss of two other calves in 2024, underscoring the ongoing struggles faced by the southern resident killer whale population in Puget Sound. Despite the grief surrounding J61's death, researchers have found a glimmer of hope with the birth of a new calf, designated J62, likely fathered by Tahlequah. The emotional weight of losing another female calf, particularly one expected to become a matriarch, intensifies the sadness within the pod.

Observations indicate that Tahlequah has been carrying J61’s body, mirroring her previous mourning practices. This dual narrative of loss and new life encapsulates the challenges and resilience of the orcas in this region, with the birth of J62 symbolizing a potential turnaround for the endangered population.