Introduction

In an incredible turn of events, famed orca Tahlequah, also known as J35, has given birth to a healthy calf, just two years after an emotional journey of grief that captured the world's attention. The remarkable whale carried her deceased calf for an agonizing 17 days in 2018, showcasing her profound sense of loss and maternal instinct.

Birth of the New Calf

According to Michael Weiss, research director of the Center for Whale Research, the new calf was first spotted on December 20 swimming alongside the J pod in the Puget Sound. Initially, researchers faced challenges in confirming the identity of the newborn, but following careful observations, they recently assigned her the alpha-numeric identifier J61 and recognized Tahlequah as her proud mother.

Photographer's Discovery

A nature photographer who unknowingly captured the moment of joy exclaimed, “My first reaction to seeing the calf was complete shock. I was just looking through my photos when I noticed a much smaller dorsal fin in one of the images. It dawned on me that it was a tiny calf, smaller than any others in the group, and it was traveling with my spark whale, J35—the one who truly started my obsession!”

Research Confirmation

The Center for Whale Research took to social media to share the exciting news, announcing that they had successfully photographed the calf's underside, confirming that J61 is a female. This latest birth comes after Tahlequah had her previous calf, J57, in 2020, and is also the mother of another orca, J47.

Concerns for the Future

Despite the joyous news, researchers remain vigilant about the endangered status of the Southern Resident killer whale population, which has become a cause for concern. Classified as critically endangered in the U.S. and Canada, this population has faced significant challenges over the years. While the recent birth of J61 sparks hope, the survival of new calves remains uncertain.

Early Life Challenges

“Early life is always dangerous for new calves, with a very high mortality rate in the first year,” warned Weiss. “Though J35 is an experienced mother, we hold our breath hoping she can keep J61 healthy through these challenging early days.”

Observations of Behavior

Moreover, troubling behaviors have been observed in J61, raising alarms among researchers. Reports indicate that the calf has been seen being gently pushed by her mother’s head and appearing less lively than typical calves. Such behavior serves as a crucial reminder of the need for the recovery of salmon stocks, which are essential for the orcas’ survival.

Population Decline

Once thriving, the Southern Resident orca population peaked at 98 individuals in the late 1970s to mid-1990s. Unfortunately, today’s count is a disheartening 73, leaving scientists and conservationists to grapple with the factors threatening their existence. It’s a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems, as both orcas and their salmon prey face critical challenges that require immediate action and awareness.

Conclusion

Stay tuned as we continue to monitor the growth of J61 and the efforts to ensure a brighter future for Tahlequah’s family and the Southern Resident killer whale population!