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Orca Mother Grieves Loss of Calf Amid Population Crisis

9/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On September 12, 2025, orca J36 was observed carrying her deceased calf in Rosario Strait, Washington.
Researchers confirmed the calf, attached to its umbilical cord, was no more than three days old.
The Southern Resident orca population, now at 73, faces high calf mortality due to declining Chinook salmon, pollution, and vessel noise.
Earlier, orca Tahlequah (J35) also carried a deceased calf, drawing global attention in 2018.
Experts note that the reasons for this behavior are unclear, though orcas are known to experience complex emotions.

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Story summary

On September 12, 2025, orca J36 was observed carrying her deceased calf in Rosario Strait, Washington.
Researchers confirmed the calf, attached to its umbilical cord, was no more than three days old.
The Southern Resident orca population, now at 73, faces high calf mortality due to declining Chinook salmon, pollution, and vessel noise.
Earlier, orca Tahlequah (J35) also carried a deceased calf, drawing global attention in 2018.
Experts note that the reasons for this behavior are unclear, though orcas are known to experience complex emotions.