A female killer whale, known as Tahlequah, who was previously observed carrying her dead calf for over two weeks in 2018, has once again suffered the loss of a newborn and is now bearing its body, according to US marine researchers.
Researchers highlight that whales are among the most intelligent creatures on the planet, demonstrating advanced social behaviors that include self-awareness and the capacity for grief.
The Center for Whale Research, based in Washington state, reported that the endangered orca, also referred to as J35, was seen carrying her deceased calf in Puget Sound near Seattle on New Year’s Day.
“J35 has been observed transporting the body of her deceased calf,” the center mentioned in an Instagram update.
During her previous experience with the loss of her newborn seven years ago, Tahlequah was seen occasionally nudging the body with her nose and, at times, grasping it with her mouth, according to reports from US media.
“This represents a very tragic journey of grief,” stated Ken Balcomb, founder of the Center for Whale Research, in a past interview with public broadcaster NPR.
The center noted that the recent loss of the female newborn is “particularly devastating” as Tahlequah has now lost two out of her four recorded calves.
“We anticipate gathering more information regarding the situation through further observations,” the post indicated.
Additionally, the center mentioned that Tahlequah’s pod has recently welcomed another newborn.
“The sex of the calf is still unknown, but the team reports that it appears both physically and behaviorally normal,” the center stated.
Tahlequah and her fellow pod members are part of the Southern Resident Killer Whales, a group classified as endangered in the United States.
This population consists of just three pods, totaling around 70 whales, which spend several weeks in the waters of Puget Sound each spring and fall.
Their numbers are declining due to various factors, including a decrease in available prey and the noise and disruption caused by vessels, as noted by the National Marine Fisheries Service.
