The orca who captured the world’s attention by swimming with her dead calf for 17 days has now brought joy with the birth of a new baby. Tahlequah, also known as J35, welcomed her new calf, J61, into the world as part of the J pod in the Puget Sound area, according to Michael Weiss, research director of the Center for Whale Research.
Unexpected Joy Amidst Grief
Initially, researchers were unsure of the calf’s identity, but on Monday, they confidently confirmed Tahlequah as the mother of the new baby. The birth of J61 marks a significant moment for Tahlequah, who made headlines in 2018 when she carried her dead calf for over two weeks. The new arrival brings hope for this endangered Southern Resident killer whale population.
Concerns for Calf’s Wellbeing
Despite the joyous news, experts are closely monitoring the calf’s health, expressing concerns about its well-being during the critical early days. The Orca Conservancy highlighted some worrying behaviors surrounding the calf, including being pushed around on Tahlequah’s head and appearing less lively.
A Mother’s Love and Hope
As an experienced mother, the hope is that Tahlequah can navigate these challenges and ensure the survival of J61. The Center for Whale Research emphasized the importance of sufficient salmon stocks to support the population growth of these majestic creatures.
Urgent Need for Conservation
The Southern Resident killer whale population faces ongoing threats due to factors like food scarcity, with only 73 whales counted in the latest census. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the survival of these incredible animals and their newborn calves.
In the midst of grief and loss, Tahlequah’s journey is a reminder of the resilience and strength of these remarkable creatures in the face of adversity. As we celebrate the birth of J61, let us also reaffirm our commitment to protecting and preserving the Southern Resident killer whale population for generations to come.