Tahlequah, the Grieving Orca Who Carried Her Dead Newborn 1,000 Miles, Gives Birth to a New Calf

Mar. 15, 2025

Orca whales J47, calf J57, and Tahlequah J35.Photo:Dave Ellifrit/Center for Whale Research

Dave Ellifrit/Center for Whale Research

The Center for Whale Research first became aware of the new calf on Friday, Dec. 20. On Monday, Dec. 23, a team of researchers, including scientists and multiple experienced killer whale researchers from NOAA’s Northwest Fisheries Science Center, conducted longer-term observations that allowed them to confirm the newborn calf’s mother as J35 (Tahlequah’s designation number). The newborn calf was given the alpha-numeric designation J61.

“Early life is always dangerous for new calves, with a very high mortality rate in the first year,” TheCenter for Whale Research said. “J35 is an experienced mother, and we hope that she is able to keep J61 alive through these difficult early days.”

In a Dec. 21Facebook post, the Center for Whale Research also commented on the extreme importance of a killer whale’s access to their primary food supply, notably salmon, and how crucial it is for a calf’s survival.

“The Southern Resident killer whale population needs ample access to their food supply, mainly salmon, to survive and thrive,“it said in a post. “Every single birth counts and these whales need enough fish to be able to support themselves and their calves. We continue to advocate for salmon recovery through habitat restoration, removal of dams, and rational management of fisheries in the Pacific Northwest.”

The Center for Whale Research, who feared for Tahlequah’s health during the 2018 ordeal, was relieved when it observed her in good physical condition and displaying “frisky” behavior while chasing a school of salmon. “Her tour of grief is now over, and her behavior is remarkably frisky,“the center said in a 2018 statement.

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source: people.com