A killer whale, known as Tahlequah, who gained global recognition in 2018 for carrying her deceased newborn calf for 17 consecutive days, has been spotted grieving once more after losing another calf. The Center for Whale Research informed that Tahlequah was seen off the coast of Seattle, Washington, pushing the lifeless body of her latest calf.
The tragic loss is acutely felt within the conservation community, as the Center emphasized the enormity of such losses and how particularly devastating it is for Tahlequah given her recent history. This ordeal marks the second time she has lost a calf, with records indicating that she has now lost two out of four documented calves—both tragically female.
Southern Resident killer whales, including Tahlequah, are categorized as endangered in both Canada and the United States. The population faces significant challenges, particularly due to a critical decline in their primary food source: Chinook salmon. Research from the University of Washington correlates reproductive failures in these whales with nutritional access to salmon, further complicating their survival.
Tahlequah's journey has been well-documented, as these magnificent creatures are known to travel extensive distances—averaging around 120 kilometers (75 miles) a day. In 2018, her heartbreaking scene of mourning unfolded off the shores of Victoria, British Columbia, a moment that resonated with marine conservation advocates and the public alike.
As we witness this sad event unfold again, the life of Tahlequah serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of the Southern Resident killer whale population and the urgent need for meaningful conservation efforts to secure their future.
