An endangered orca identified as J36 was seen carrying its dead newborn calf through Washington state waters on Friday, marking the second such troubling occurrence this year among the critically threatened southern resident killer whale population.

Researchers from the Center for Whale Research, SeaDoc Society and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance confirmed the female calf was deceased, with its umbilical cord still attached when spotted in Rosario Strait near the San Juan Islands.

Why It Matters

The death underscores the mounting crisis facing the southern resident orca population, which has dwindled to just 73 as of last year.

The repeated incidents of mothers carrying dead calves highlight severe reproductive challenges these marine mammals face due to environmental pressures.

Why

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