A killer whale, known as Tahlequah, is once again capturing attention as it grieves the loss of its newborn calf, marking another heart-wrenching chapter in its story. The whale was recently observed off the coast of Seattle pushing the body of its deceased calf, according to reports from research organizations focused on whale conservation.
Tahlequah, who gained global recognition in 2018 for carrying her dead calf for an unprecedented 17 days, now faces a new tragedy. Experts have stated that losing any calf is a significant loss, but this latest death is particularly poignant due to Tahlequah’s past experiences.
The research center highlighted that Tahlequah has now lost two of her four documented calves, both female, which raises concerns for the future of the Southern Resident killer whale population. These whales are classified as endangered in both Canada and the United States.
A major factor affecting their survival is the decline in Chinook salmon, their primary food source. Recent studies link reproductive issues in these whales to nutritional deficits and accessibility to salmon.
Killer whales are known to travel extensive distances, averaging 120 kilometers (75 miles) each day as they search for food and navigate their environment. The story of Tahlequah continues to underline the challenges faced by this endangered species.
