The heartbreaking story of Tahlequah, the orca whale known as J35, continues to unfold. Famous for carrying her deceased calf for 17 days in 2018, Tahlequah is once again in mourning. On January 1, 2025, the Center for Whale Research confirmed the death of Tahlequah’s newest calf, a female named J61. Distressing images show the grieving mother carrying her calf’s body through the ocean, a poignant reminder of the fragility of life in the wild and the deep emotional bonds within orca families.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(637×622:639×624)/J35-Tahlequah-carries-carcass-of-dead-calf-010325-04-42394f5b56c04fd0a576a4a9bade787d.jpg)
A History of Loss and Resilience: Tahlequah’s Journey
This devastating loss marks the second time Tahlequah has experienced the death of a calf. Her 2018 journey of grief, carrying her deceased offspring for over 1,000 miles and 17 days, captivated the world and brought attention to the plight of the endangered Southern Resident killer whales. The prolonged display of mourning resonated with people globally, highlighting the complex emotional lives of these intelligent creatures. Tahlequah’s story became a symbol of the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect this vulnerable population.
While the cause of J61’s death remains unknown, the first year of life is particularly perilous for orca calves. Researchers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) first observed J61 in December 2024, just weeks before her death. Experts emphasize that infant mortality rates are high for orcas, highlighting the challenges these animals face in their natural environment.
The Devastating Impact on the Endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales
Tahlequah and her offspring belong to the J pod, a community of approximately 73 Southern Resident killer whales. This population, residing in the waters off western Canada and the Pacific Northwest of the United States, is critically endangered. The loss of J61 is a significant blow to the already fragile pod, particularly because she was a female. Female orcas play a crucial role in the social structure and long-term survival of their pods, often becoming matriarchs who lead and guide their families.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(718×503:720×505)/J35-Tahlequah-carries-carcass-of-dead-calf-010325-03-1f1dd1d939154508a4705a93fba3a252.jpg)
The Southern Resident killer whales face numerous threats, including dwindling salmon populations (their primary food source), pollution, and noise disturbance from vessel traffic. The loss of a potential future matriarch like J61 further underscores the urgency of conservation efforts to protect this endangered population. The Center for Whale Research emphasizes the critical need for salmon recovery through habitat restoration, dam removal, and responsible fisheries management.
A Glimmer of Hope Amidst the Grief: J62’s Arrival
While J61’s death is a tragic loss, there is a glimmer of hope for the J pod. The Center for Whale Research has confirmed the birth of another calf, J62, to a different mother within the pod. While the mother’s identity and the calf’s sex are yet to be determined, J62 appears to be healthy and thriving. This new arrival provides a small measure of optimism for the future of the Southern Resident killer whales, though the overall population remains critically endangered.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(653×438:655×440)/Mother-Orca-Known-for-Grieving-2018-Newborns-Death-by-Carrying-Baby-Whale-Mourns-Loss-of-New-Calf-010125-86f68fa78e504b4db46f9084ff75976a.jpg)
The Future of the J Pod: A Call to Action
The story of Tahlequah and the J pod serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of life in the ocean and the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems. The survival of these magnificent creatures depends on collective action to address the threats they face. Supporting organizations dedicated to orca conservation, advocating for sustainable fishing practices, and reducing our environmental footprint are crucial steps in ensuring a future where Tahlequah and her fellow Southern Resident killer whales can thrive. The time to act is now, before it’s too late.
