Orca who carried dead newborn for weeks has lost another calf and is carrying it again
NBCDEC 22 2024
Wildlife: Orca Mother Observed Grieving Over Second Dead Calf
Above: A male killer whale (Orcinus Orca) swimming near Skjervoy Fjord, in northern Norway within the Arctic Circle, on Nov. 15, 2024. Image copyright: OLIVIER MORIN/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
An endangered orca named Tahlequah (J35) was observed on Wednesday carrying her deceased female calf (J61) off the coast of Seattle. This behavior mirrored that of her previous 17-day journey carrying another dead calf in 2018.
The newborn calf J61, first spotted on Dec. 21, showed signs of health issues before its death was confirmed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration researchers on Jan. 1.
Tahlequah belongs to the critically endangered "Southern Resident" killer whale population, which has dwindled to just 73 individuals, including only 23 breeding females.
The Spin
Narrative A
Tahlequah's emotional display of grief demonstrates orcas' complex social bonds and intelligence, proving they experience deep emotional connections similar to humans. Their repeated behavior of carrying dead calves shows that these marine mammals possess sophisticated emotional capabilities that deserve greater recognition and protection.
Narrative B
The focus on emotional interpretations of whale behavior is important, but it can divert attention from the more urgent need to address practical conservation challenges. The urgent priority should be implementing immediate actions to restore salmon populations, remove dams, and reduce marine pollution to prevent the extinction of these endangered whales.
Metaculus Prediction
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