A Second Endangered Orca Seen Carrying Dead Newborn in Washington Waters: A Call to Action for the Species’ Ongoing Crisis
The majestic orcas, also known as killer whales, have long captured the hearts of people all over the world. These intelligent and social creatures have been a symbol of strength and beauty in the ocean. However, recent events have shed light on the harsh reality that these magnificent creatures are facing. In Washington waters, a second endangered orca was seen carrying its dead newborn, once again highlighting the ongoing crisis that the species is facing.
The heartbreaking scene was witnessed by researchers from the Center for Whale Research on July 27th, 2018. The mother orca, known as J35 or Tahlequah, was seen swimming with her pod, carrying her dead calf on her head. This was the second time in less than a month that a mother orca was seen carrying her dead newborn in the same waters. The first incident occurred on July 24th, when another endangered orca, known as J35 or Scarlet, was seen carrying her dead calf for over a week.
The news of these two incidents has sparked concern and sadness among scientists, conservationists, and the general public. The Southern Resident killer whale population, to which these two orcas belong, is currently facing a critical situation. With only 75 individuals left in the wild, the species is considered to be endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The ongoing crisis has been attributed to various factors, including pollution, noise pollution, and lack of prey.
The Southern Resident killer whales are facing a multitude of threats, but one of the biggest concerns is the decline of their main food source, Chinook salmon. These orcas primarily feed on Chinook salmon, and with the decline in their population, the orcas are struggling to find enough food to sustain themselves and their young. The lack of prey has also been linked to the high rate of miscarriages and stillbirths among the orcas, which is a major contributor to the declining population.
The recent incidents of orcas carrying their dead newborns have shed light on the emotional and social intelligence of these creatures. Orcas are known to have strong family bonds, and the loss of a calf is a devastating blow to the entire pod. It is believed that the mothers carry their dead newborns as a way to grieve and process their loss, much like humans do. This behavior has been observed in other species of whales as well, highlighting the emotional depth and complexity of these animals.
The ongoing crisis of the Southern Resident killer whales is a wake-up call for all of us. It is a reminder that we need to take immediate action to protect these magnificent creatures before it’s too late. The decline of the orca population not only affects the species itself but also has a ripple effect on the entire marine ecosystem. Orcas play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ocean, and their absence would have a detrimental impact on the health of the ocean.
The good news is that there are efforts being made to protect the Southern Resident killer whales. The government has implemented measures to reduce pollution and noise pollution in the waters, and there are ongoing efforts to restore the Chinook salmon population. However, more needs to be done. It is crucial for individuals, organizations, and governments to come together and work towards the conservation of these amazing creatures.
There are also steps that we, as individuals, can take to help protect the Southern Resident killer whales. We can reduce our use of single-use plastics, which contribute to pollution in the ocean. We can also support organizations and initiatives that work towards the protection of the orcas and their habitat. By making small changes in our daily lives, we can make a big difference in the conservation of these endangered creatures.
The recent incidents of orcas carrying their dead newborns have brought attention to the ongoing crisis that the Southern Resident killer whales are facing. It is a reminder that we need to act now to protect these magnificent creatures before it’s too late. Let us all come together and work towards a future where these intelligent and social creatures can thrive in their natural habitat. The time to act is now, and we must not let these beautiful creatures become a thing of the past.
