The orca known as Tahlequah (J35), who captured global attention in 2018 when she carried her dead calf for 17 days across 1,000 miles, has given birth to a new female calf, designated as J61, in the Puget Sound area off Washington state.

Researchers from the Center for Whale Research have expressed concern about the health of both mother and calf based on observed behaviors. The newborn has been seen being pushed around on J35's head and 'not looking lively,' according to the Orca Conservancy. Scientists believe the calf may have been born prematurely.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has observed the baby whale 'remaining underwater for extended amounts of time indicating nursing or attempts to nurse.' While this behavior has raised some concerns, researchers note that calf behavior is not fully understood.

This birth marks Tahlequah's third surviving calf, following J47 ('Notch') born in 2010 and J57 ('Phoenix') born in 2020. The arrival of J61 is particularly significant given that up to 70% of orca pregnancies end in miscarriage or early calf death.

The Southern Resident killer whales, of which Tahlequah's J-pod is part, remain critically endangered. Current population estimates show only about 73 whales across all three Southern Resident pods, with studies indicating a decline of approximately one whale per year.

'Every single birth counts and these whales need enough fish to be able to support themselves and their calves,' stated the Center for Whale Research. The organization continues to advocate for salmon recovery through habitat restoration, dam removal, and improved fisheries management in the Pacific Northwest.