Story perspectives

Endangered Orca J-36 Mourns Newborn Calf in Salish Sea

9/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On September 12, 2025, Southern Resident killer whale J-36 (Alki) was spotted with her deceased newborn calf in the Salish Sea, Washington.
The calf, still attached to its umbilical cord, was likely full term.
Researchers remain unsure if the calf was stillborn or died shortly after birth.
This incident mirrors the 2018 case of orca Tahlequah (J-35), who carried her dead calf for 17 days.
Southern Resident killer whales are endangered, with a 69% failure rate in births, attributed to prey scarcity, pollution, and noise disturbances.

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Story summary

On September 12, 2025, Southern Resident killer whale J-36 (Alki) was spotted with her deceased newborn calf in the Salish Sea, Washington.
The calf, still attached to its umbilical cord, was likely full term.
Researchers remain unsure if the calf was stillborn or died shortly after birth.
This incident mirrors the 2018 case of orca Tahlequah (J-35), who carried her dead calf for 17 days.
Southern Resident killer whales are endangered, with a 69% failure rate in births, attributed to prey scarcity, pollution, and noise disturbances.