The world became captivated by Tahlequah, a Southern Resident killer whale, when she famously carried the body of her dead calf for 17 days in 2018. Tragically, she has been spotted again, this time near Seattle, pushing another deceased calf. The Center for Whale Research confirmed that her latest tragedy marks an especially sorrowful chapter in her journey, as she has now lost two out of her four recorded calves, both of which were female.
This ongoing struggle for Tahlequah reflects wider issues faced by her pod, which is classified as endangered by both Canada and the United States. The crisis surrounding the Southern Resident killer whales is dire; they rely primarily on Chinook salmon for sustenance, a species that has dramatically declined over recent years. Recent studies, including those from the University of Washington, indicate that the whales' struggles with reproduction are linked to malnutrition, stemming from the lack of accessible salmon.
Tahlequah's heart-wrenching behavior echoes her previous experiences, bringing attention to the wider plight of this iconic species. The bereaved whale was first seen off the shores of Victoria, British Columbia in 2018, and once again, she embodies the challenges facing her community. As scientists continue to study her movements, it is highlighted that these majestic creatures can travel an average of 120 kilometers daily, yet their survival is perilously intertwined with the health of their marine environment.
