January was a difficult month for the Southern Resident orcas of J pod. Tahlequah (J35) lost her second calf and started another public display of mourning, similar to her 2018 tour.
However, the start of the year also brought new life. On January 1st, another calf was born and early on it looked in far better health than Tahlequah’s calf. Earlier this week, researchers spotted the calf again (J62) and it appears to be doing well. They also confirmed it is a female which is great news for the long term population of these animals.
Today, less than 75 Southern Resident orcas remain, and they’re continuously at risk from a lack of their favorite food, Chinook salmon. Salmon runs in the region have decided by 90% in some areas and can be attributed mainly to four dams located on the Lower Snake River. If we’re going to save Southern Resident orcas dam removal needs to be part of the conversation.
In the meantime, the good news about J62 brings hope for these beloved marine mammals.
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