In a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by marine life, killer whale Tahlequah has been spotted once again grieving over the loss of her newborn calf. Known for carrying her deceased calf for a staggering 17 days back in 2018, Tahlequah has touched the hearts of many around the globe. This time, she was seen pushing the lifeless body off the coast of Seattle, as reported by the Center for Whale Research.
The center noted that losing any calf is a severe blow, but the death of Tahlequah's latest infant is particularly heartbreaking considering her history. With two out of her four documented calves now lost, both being female, the situation has raised alarms for the endangered Southern Resident killer whale population.
These whales rely heavily on Chinook salmon for sustenance, and the decline in salmon availability has been linked to challenges in reproduction, according to research from the University of Washington. The fact that Tahlequah can travel an average of 120km (75 miles) daily underlines the emotional and physical strain she is enduring through this heartbreaking ordeal.
