Tahlequah, an orca known for carrying her deceased calf for 17 days, has welcomed a new calf. Scientists are hopeful but concerned for the calf's health.
A killer whale mother who carried her dead calf for 17 days in an apparent show of grief has given birth to a new calf, scientists have said. The orca, named Tahlequah and known to researchers as J35, had carried her dead infant for more than 1,000 miles in 2018. But last Friday the whale was spotted traveling with a new calf in the Puget Sound waterway off the coast of Washington State, according to the Center for Whale Research.
In a Facebook post, it said a team of researchers had been able to observe the calf and confirm it is female, giving it the name J61. But it said the team was concerned about the calf's health 'based on the behavior of both J35 and J61'. 'Early life is always dangerous for new calves, with a very high mortality rate in the first year,' the center said. 'J35 is an experienced mother, and we hope that she is able to keep J61 alive through these difficult early days.' In a post on X, the Orca Conservancy said: 'The calf had also been observed being pushed around on J35's head and was not looking lively, which is a concern.' It noted 'calf behavior is not fully understood'. The organization added: 'All of this serves as a reminder that in order for new calves, salmon stocks need to be recovered to levels that will help support population growth.' Read more from Sky News:Memorial services mark 20 years since Boxing Day tsunamiAnimal neglect and abandonment soars, warns charityChildren among 29 survivors of deadly plane crash 'Every single birth counts' The Center for Whale Research also highlighted the importance of salmon, the whales' main food source, saying: 'The Southern Resident killer whale population needs ample access to their food supply, mainly salmon, to survive and thrive. 'Every single birth counts and these whales need enough fish to be able to support themselves and their calves
ORCAS WHALES BIRTH GRIEF SALMON
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