Killer whale moms are still supporting their adult sons — and it's costing them

Killer whale moms are still supporting their adult sons — and it's costing them

A new study finds that orca mothers still feed their adult sons. It’s a bond that may come with costs, researchers say. (David K. Ellifrit/Center for Whale Research / NMFS research permit #21238) https://media.ktoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/20230209_me_killer_whale_moms_are_still_supporting_their_adult_sons_and_its_costing_them.mp3 Twenty years ago, in the waters off the coast of Washington State and British Columbia, an adult female kille…

Killer whale moms are still supporting their adult sons — and it’s costing them

Twenty years ago, in the waters off the coast of Washington State and British Columbia, an adult female killer whale (dubbed K16 by those who know her well) gave birth to a son, K35."These two have an extremely close social relationship," says Michael Weiss, the research director at the Center for Whale Research in Friday Harbor, Washington.It's hard for Weiss to think of a time when he didn't catch the pair hanging out in the same group, and of…

Killer whale moms are still supporting their adult sons — and it's costing them

Orca moms spent precious resources feeding their fully grown adult male offspring. A new study finds that this may limit how many more young they produce.

Killer whale moms are still supporting their adult sons — and it's costing them

Orca moms spent precious resources feeding their fully grown adult male offspring. A new study finds that this may limit how many more young they produce.

Killer whale moms are still supporting their adult sons — and it's costing them

Orca moms spent precious resources feeding their fully grown adult male offspring. A new study finds that this may limit how many more young they produce.