Endangered orca J36 seen carrying deceased calf in Washington state

In Washington state, researchers have documented a troubling event concerning the Southern Resident orca population, which continues to decline. On September 12, 2025, J36, an identified female orca, was observed in Rosario Strait carrying her dead newborn calf. It was confirmed by experts from the Center for Whale Research, Sea Doc Society, and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance that the calf remained connected to its mother by the umbilical cord, indicating that it had died shortly after birth. The researchers noted that, based on the calf's size, it was either full term or near full term, raising concerns about the high calf mortality rates among orcas. The Southern Resident population of killer whales, which inhabits the marine waters between Washington state and Canada, has been struggling in recent decades. Standing at just 73 individuals, this population faces significant threats, including a severe decline in their primary food source, Chinook salmon. Additional challenges such as pollution and increased underwater noise from vessels have further hindered the orcas' ability to hunt effectively, compounding their struggles with calf survival. The ongoing hardships faced by these whales highlight the intricate link between their health and the well-being of the ecosystems they inhabit. In a related context, J35, also known as Tahlequah, another Southern Resident orca, made headlines in previous years for her own struggles. Earlier in 2025, she was spotted carrying her deceased newborn calf, which mirrored J36's recent experience. Tahlequah had drawn international attention in 2018 when she carried her dead calf for an astonishing 1,000 miles over 17 days. Instances like these underscore the emotional complexities of orca family dynamics and grief within this close-knit species. Researchers continue to monitor the situation closely, hoping to gather more information about J36 and her deceased calf. While the immediate fate of J36 remains uncertain, her story serves as a poignant reminder of the critical state of the Southern Resident orca population. As more efforts are made to investigate the well-being of these orcas, it is crucial that conservation initiatives address the pressing issues affecting their environment and food supply to turn the tide in their favor.