Image copyright
KEN BALCOMB, WHALE RESEARCH CENTER
Scientists say Tahlequah is one of three pregnant southern killer whales
According to scientists, a killer whale that carried its dead newborn calf for 17 days while swimming 1,000 miles (1,600 km) is pregnant.
Scientists in Washington state made the discovery while recording drone images of killer whales residing in the south.
They said the whales from three herds were pregnant, including Tahlequah.
Orcas have been known to carry dead calves for a week, but scientists at the time said Tahlequah set “a record.”
Tahlequah is part of a community of three herds, made up of about 72 whales. They are frequently found on the southern tip of Vancouver Island in Canada and in the inland marine waters of Washington State in the United States.
Both Canada and the United States list southern killer whales as endangered.
- Whale spotted pushing dead calf for days
- Orca at SeaWorld Orlando dies suddenly
Scientists John Durban, chief scientist at Southall Environmental Associates, and Holly Fearnbach, director of marine mammal research for the nonprofit organization SR3, captured images of the whales as part of a long-term study of their condition, said the Seattle Times.
The images were taken from more than 100 feet (30 m) on the animals so as not to disturb them.
Scientists cautioned that while pregnancies among southern killer whales are not unusual, most recent pregnancies have not resulted in successful births.
Tahlequah’s initial pregnancy is said to be the first in three years among whales. Two southern killer whales have successfully given birth since then and are still alive, the Seattle Times said.
According to research from the University of Washington, reproductive failures are related to nutrition and access to Chinook salmon, which has been in dramatic decline in recent years.
Scientists have warned ships to stay away from whales and give them space.
Tahlequah captured the world’s attention in August 2018 when she was seen carrying her dead calf.
Ken Balcomb, chief scientist at the Whale Research Center, said at the time that Tahlequah’s pain sample was unusual.
“We have seen mother whales carry dead babies briefly, for parts of the day. We saw one a few years ago for a couple of days. But this sets a record,” he said.
