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 J61, a young female orca calf, to Tahlequah, an orca who gained widespread attention in 2018 for her heartbreaking display of grief while carrying her deceased calf for 1,000 miles. J61 was first observed with the Southern Resident killer whale J pod, allowing researchers to determine her lineage and gender. Tahlequah, also known as J35, has previously raised calves, which gives hope for J61's future despite the high mortality rates faced by young orcas. The CWR is particularly concerned about J61's initial health and will continue to monitor the mother-calf pair closely. The Southern Resident population is critically endangered, currently consisting of only 73 whales, and faces significant threats from reduced salmon availability and environmental degradation.

Each new birth is vital for the survival of this population, and the CWR stresses the importance of a stable food supply, primarily Chinook salmon, to support these whales. This news underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect the habitat and food sources essential for the Southern Resident killer whales.