J35 belongs to a critically endangered subgroup of whales called southern resident killer whales. The group’s population currently stands at just 73 following the recent death of Tahlequah’s calf and the birth of another orca. Tahlequah has successfully raised two male calves, one of which was born in 2020. These whales are closely monitored by the Center for Whale Research, scientists, photographers, and enthusiasts, especially when they are near Puget Sound communities like Seattle.
The untimely death of Tahlequah’s female calf, J61, has been under observation for weeks. Concerns were raised about the calf’s health as it appeared to be struggling and surfacing abnormally. The first year of a killer whale calf’s life is deemed the most challenging in terms of survival, with 70% to 80% of documented calves making it past this critical stage. However, many calves are likely born and perish without ever being recorded, suggesting a lower survival rate of around 50%.
The strain of caring for a lost calf has raised concerns about Tahlequah’s well-being, as it requires a significant amount of energy and may impact her ability to forage. Despite these challenges, the birth of another thriving orca, J62, has provided some hope.
Southern resident killer whales have long been the focus of conservation efforts due to their endangered status. Protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and classified as critically endangered since 2005, these whales face threats such as declining prey quality and pollution from industrial chemicals like PCBs. Additionally, noise pollution from vessels can disrupt the whales’ communication and behavior.
Without more aggressive conservation measures, the southern resident killer whales are at risk of extinction. Efforts have been made by Washington state and federal agencies to address these threats, with over $1 billion invested in conservation programs. However, the primary challenge remains the whales’ insufficient food supply, highlighting the urgent need for action to ensure their survival.
Rivers that once teemed with abundant salmon — including the lower Snake River — are now obstructed by dams, impeding the fish’s access and survival. “We are falling short in our efforts to restore Chinook and salmon populations,” remarked Gaydos. The struggling southern resident orcas face a significant setback when a female calf perishes, affecting not only her mother but also the overall trajectory of the subspecies. “The critical factor lies in the number of reproductive-age females and their ability to effectively rear calves. Therefore, it is crucial to increase the female population,” Weiss emphasized.
