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Southern Resident Killer Whale Seen with Another Dead Calf Off Vancouver Island
Researchers said the calf’s death was not unexpected because of its poor body condition and the endangered population’s ongoing reproductive struggles.
- On Saturday, researcher Mark Malleson of the Center for Whale Research spotted the Southern Resident killer whale J31, also known as Tsuchi, carrying a dead newborn calf near Sombrio Point in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
- This loss is particularly significant given J31's reproductive history, as the whale previously experienced failed pregnancies and was observed carrying a deceased calf in 2016, demonstrating persistent challenges facing the critically endangered population.
- The Center for Whale Research reports the Southern Resident population currently stands at 76 individuals, making every calf's survival crucial, though researchers stated it remains unclear if the newborn was male, female, or stillborn.
- J35, known as Tahlequah, carried her dead calf for 17 days in 2018, while J36, or Alki, was observed with a dead calf in 2025, echoing past instances of "grief procession" behavior documented by researchers.
- Recovery for the Southern Resident killer whales depends on creating conditions where mothers and calves can thrive, as availability of large, nutritionally rich Chinook salmon remains a significant factor limiting the population's ability to reproduce.
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44 Articles
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Total News Sources44
Leaning Left32Leaning Right0Center10Last UpdatedBias Distribution76% Left
Bias Distribution
- 76% of the sources lean Left
76% Left
L 76%
C 24%
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