J pod orca who pushed dead calf for 1,000 miles gives birth to new baby

The Center for Whale Research has confirmed the birth of a female orca calf, J61, in Puget Sound, marking a significant event for the endangered Southern Resident killer whale population. This calf is the offspring of Tahlequah, known as J35, who previously garnered attention for carrying her deceased calf over 1,000 miles as a display of grief in 2018. Researchers have conducted multiple observations to verify J61's identity and monitor her health, raising concerns due to the high mortality rates faced by orca calves during their first year. With the Southern Resident population dwindling to just 73 individuals, every birth is critical for the species' survival. Tahlequah's experience as a mother, having successfully birthed a male calf four years ago, offers some hope for J61's survival.

The CWR underscores the necessity of a robust salmon population to sustain these orcas, as their diet exclusively consists of fish. The organization plans to continue observing the mother-calf duo closely to ensure their health and safety in the coming weeks. Overall, the birth of J61 provides a glimmer of hope amid ongoing conservation challenges faced by the Southern Resident killer whales.