More than a week after researchers initially recorded the youngster, an endangered whale was seen off the coast of Washington carrying the dead body of her calf.
According to a Facebook post by the Center for Whale Research, the newborn Southern Resident killer whale was officially declared deceased on December 31.
According to the organization, while the loss of any calf in the SRKW population is traumatic, J61’s passing is especially tragic.
According to the group and McClatchy News, the calf was dubbed J-61 because it was spotted swimming in the Puget Sound with J pod on December 20.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the number of Southern Resident killer whales has decreased over time due to a shortage of prey, chemical pollution, vessel noise disruptions, and other issues. The announcement of a calf gave researchers and whale watchers optimism.
Additionally, it’s the second time that J-35, also known as Tallequah, has been spotted carrying her deceased infant.
According to the organization, she pulled her dead infant for 17 days in 2018.
Two of Tahlequah’s four calves have died.
However, after learning of J-61’s demise, scientists verified that a new calf swimming with J-pod was J-62.
The scientists stated that additional observations are required to confirm the identity of the mother because the calf was surrounded by several females during their encounter.
Although its sex has not yet been established, it seems to be typical in both appearance and behavior.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Southern Resident killer whales are designated as depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and were listed as endangered in 2005.
The J, K, and L pods are the three groupings that comprise them. According to NOAA, the killer whales spend the summer and fall in the Puget Sound.
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