Thu Dec 26 07:44:00 UTC 2024: ## Orca Who Carried Dead Calf for 17 Days Gives Birth to Healthy Female Calf
**Seattle, WA** – Tahlequah, the orca known for her heartbreaking 17-day vigil carrying her dead calf in 2018, has given birth to a healthy female calf, the Center for Whale Research announced. The new calf, designated J61, was first spotted on December 20th swimming with the J pod in the Puget Sound.
Researchers from the Center, along with scientists from NOAA’s Northwest Fisheries Science Center, conducted observations on December 23rd, confirming J35 (Tahlequah) as the mother and photographing the calf’s underside to confirm its sex. While expressing cautious optimism, researchers voiced concerns about the calf’s early health, citing the high mortality rate for orca calves in their first year. However, Tahlequah’s experience as a mother offers hope for J61’s survival.
A nature enthusiast and photographer independently captured images of the calf, initially noticing its unusually small dorsal fin among the J pod. This independent sighting further confirmed the birth.
Tahlequah’s story gained international attention in 2018 when she famously carried her deceased calf for over 1,600 kilometers. This new birth, six years later, marks a significant event for the Southern Resident killer whale population, which continues to face challenges including declining numbers and food scarcity. J61 represents a glimmer of hope for the endangered pod, although its survival remains a key focus for researchers.
First Piper 