Scientists observed that killer whale mother J35 gave birth to a baby killer whale, but the baby died recently, so J35 swam with the body on her back. Image Source: Center for Whale Research Facebook
The killer whale mother "J35" that attracted global attention in 2018 was suspected of being unable to accept the death of her baby, so she swam 1,600 kilometers carrying the calf's body on her back. Not long ago, this orca mother gave birth to a baby "J61" again. However, the latest news pointed out that J61 has died recently. Therefore, the orca mother once again repeated the grieving behavior of 6 years ago and continued to carry the body on her back.
The "Center for Whale Research" issued a statement stating that J35 was recently observed traveling with a baby killer whale in Puget Sound, USA. Subsequent scientists confirmed that this was J35's child and was numbered J61.
Unfortunately, a few days later, the Whale Research Center confirmed that the female baby killer whale J61 had died. Since records began, J35 has given birth to four killer whale babies, but losing two of them (both female) is undoubtedly a huge trauma for J35.
The research center also updated further news. On January 1, 2025, J35 was seen swimming with the body of the deceased baby killer whale J61. This behavior is reminiscent of the time in 2018 when J35 also carried its deceased baby for 17 days. Scientists will continue to pay attention to J35's situation.
