Tahlequah, the Grieving Killer Whale, Pushes Another Calf's Body

Tahlequah, a Southern Resident killer whale known for her previous display of grief in 2018, has recently been spotted pushing the body of her second deceased calf near Seattle. This ongoing tragedy highlights the challenges faced by this endangered species, particularly in relation to declining Chinook salmon populations.

In a heartrending continuation of wildlife grief, Tahlequah, a killer whale who previously garnered worldwide sympathy in 2018, has been seen pushing the lifeless body of her newborn calf once again. Known scientifically as J35 and associated with the Center for Whale Research, her latest loss, spotted off the coast of Seattle, rekindles the painful memories of her 17-day journey in mourning when she first lost a calf.

In the latest observations, the Center for Whale Research underscored the significance of this new loss, noting the particularly heartbreaking context given Tahlequah’s history. Out of four documented calves, she has now lost two, both female, contributing to the ongoing crisis faced by the Southern Resident killer whale population, which is recognized as endangered by both Canadian and U.S. authorities.

The plight of these whales is exacerbated by a dramatic decline in their vital food source, the Chinook salmon. As the populations of these fish plummet, researchers from the University of Washington have linked the difficulties in calf survival rates to nutritional deficits, arising from dwindling salmon stocks. The struggle of the Southern Resident killer whales to reproduce successfully reflects a broader ecological issue impacting their habitat and survival prospects.

It’s notable that killer whales are known to carry deceased calves for extended periods, although simultaneous sightings of Tahlequah conspicuously demonstrate a remarkable level of grief and attachment. In 2018, she made headlines as she traversed the waters off Victoria, British Columbia, capturing the sympathy of millions around the world.

The ongoing story of Tahlequah stands as a stark representation of the broader challenges facing the Southern Resident killer whale population, prompting urgent calls for conservation efforts amid their struggle against extinction. With an average traveling distance of 120 kilometers (75 miles) a day, these whales navigate complex waters that reflect both their personal losses and a collective struggle for survival within an increasingly fragile ecosystem.