A glimmer of hope: J-Pod’s new calf seen with Tahlequah, the grieving WA orca
SEATTLE - Despite record-breaking salmon runs and promising returns to regions they once avoided, the Southern Resident killer whale population has faced significant losses this year.
Two calves born earlier this year 2024 tragically did not survive. However, an unexpected discovery this past week is offering a glimmer of hope for Puget Sound’s orca community.
Brittany Philbin, a photographer near the Edmonds/Kingston ferry route recently captured images of what appears to be a never-before-seen calf traveling with J-Pod. The calf was spotted alongside J-35, also known as Tahlequah, a whale that garnered global attention in 2018 when she carried her deceased calf for 17 days in a heartbreaking display now dubbed as her "tour of grief." Tahlequah has already had at least four calves before, though only three survived.
"Right now the whale community is buzzing; everyone is excited, especially since the calf was seen with J-35, Tahlequah," said Tamara Kelley of Orca Conservancy. "We know that she’s a successful mother, and that gives us a little hope of the survivability of this calf,"
Newborn Calf Joins J-Pod, Spotted with Grieving Mother Tahlequah
However, the survival of the calf is far from guaranteed. Kelley explained that the mortality rate for calves born to Southern Resident killer whales remains high, with approximately 50% not surviving.
The loss of two calves earlier this year J60 and L128 highlight the challenges faced by these whales. Both calves were observed emaciated and passed between multiple females before dying. Kelley theorizes that J60’s mother may have struggled to nurse, a common issue for first-time mothers.
The mortality rate of calves born to first-time mothers is even higher due to the toxins stored in their blubber that are offloaded during birth and nursing. These "forever chemicals" accumulate over time, entering the food chain through pollutants like pesticides and oil runoff. Microorganisms absorb these chemicals, which are then consumed by fish.
As these toxins rise through the food chain, they end up as prey for apex predators like orcas. When orcas don't get enough to eat, they begin breaking down their fat stores, releasing these harmful toxins into their bodies. This weakens their immune systems, making them more vulnerable to illness and pregnancy failures.
Despite these challenges, there is some positive news on the food front. 2024 saw record-breaking sockeye and chum salmon runs, crucial food sources for the Southern Resident orcas. The abundance of fish is not only filling their bellies but also bringing a bit of spirited behavior to the orcas.
J27, also known as Blackberry, was recently spotted sporting a salmon on his head, a rare and quirky display not seen since the late 1980s. Kelley shared some scientists believe this unusual "fashion trend" may suggest orcas have enough food not only to survive but to play with.
Southern resident orcas reclaim Penn Cove, 50 years after brutal roundups
For more than five decades, southern resident killer whales have steered clear of Penn Cove on Whidbey Island, avoiding waters haunted by a traumatic history.
The Center for Whale Research, which tracks the orca population, plans to release its census data in January. Researchers are eager to learn more about this potential new calf and confirm whether Tahlequah is indeed its mother. However, the news isn't entirely positive.
This summer, the center confirmed the deaths of an adult m ale orcas, L85. Orca Conservancy has expressed concerns about another male that has vanished, K-26 known as Lobo. He has not been seen since last July. If Lobo is confirmed dead, K-Pod will be left with only 14 members, further threatening the genetic diversity of the Southern Resident population.
"We have some bright spots, but overall, we’ve lost more whales than we’ve gained," Kelley said.
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