# Southern resident killer whale population status > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/southern-resident-killer-whale-population-status > Updated: 2026-10-23T17:35:00.000Z. Sources: 58. Developments: 4. The southern resident killer whale population, a critically endangered group, has shown mixed indicators of survival and growth. In early October, a female orca identified as J31 (Tsuchi) was observed carrying a dead newborn calf near Sombrio Point in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, an event researchers noted as significant given her history of reproductive loss. Despite such individual losses, the latest annual photographic census from the Center for Whale Research indicates the total population has grown to 76 individuals, an increase of two from the previous year. This marks the second consecutive year of growth. The census recorded four births, though only two calves survived. The population is currently distributed among the L, J, and K Pods, with L Pod containing 34 individuals, J Pod 27, and K Pod 15. On October 19, 2026, researchers first observed a new male calf, designated J65, traveling with its mother, J35 (Tahlequah). Drone footage and observations from the Orca Behaviour Institute at Lime Kiln Point State Park confirmed the calf is male, appears healthy, is socializing, and is nursing. This represents the sixth documented calf for J35, who previously gained international attention in 2018 for carrying her deceased calf for 17 days. J35 has two other surviving offspring: J47 and J57. Research director Michael Weiss noted that while the population is seeing consecutive years of growth, it remains well below historical levels. The whales face persistent threats from human-caused noise, pollutants, and a critical shortage of their primary prey, large fatty chinook salmon. Researchers noted that while the new birth is a positive sign, early life remains a significant challenge, as approximately half of the calves do not survive their first year. ## Claims - Four calves were born during the census period, but only two survived. (corroborated by 12 sources) - A new male orca calf, designated J65, was born to Tahlequah (J35). (corroborated by 10 sources) - The calf was observed by researchers on October 19. (corroborated by 10 sources) - The calf was spotted on October 20 at Lime Kiln Point State Park. (corroborated by 10 sources) - J65 is Tahlequah's sixth documented calf. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Tahlequah carried a dead newborn for 17 days in 2018. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Tahlequah was seen traveling with a dead calf in early 2025. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Tahlequah has two surviving calves: J47 and J57. (corroborated by 10 sources) - The southern resident killer whale population reached 76 individuals as of July 1, an increase of two from the previous year. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The population is divided into three pods: L Pod (34), J Pod (27), and K Pod (15). (corroborated by 8 sources) - Threats to the whales include human-caused noise, pollutants, and a shortage of Chinook salmon. (corroborated by 8 sources) - As of July 1, the southern resident orca population reached 76 individuals. (corroborated by 4 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-23: Endangered Southern Resident killer whale Tahlequah gives birth to new calf A new male orca calf, J65, has been born to the endangered southern resident killer whale Tahlequah (J35), offering hope for the species' survival. 22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tahlequah-endangered-orca-gives-birth-to-new-male-calf ### 2026-10-21: New male orca calf born to endangered Southern Resident killer whale A healthy male orca calf, J65, has been born to the endangered Southern Resident killer whale J35, providing hope for a population currently numbering approximately 76 individuals. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-male-orca-calf-born-to-endangered-southern-resident-killer-whale ### 2026-10-13: Southern resident orca population grows to 76 individuals The endangered southern resident killer whale population has risen to 76 individuals, marking two years of growth, though researchers warn that threats like prey scarcity persist. 48 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/southern-resident-orca-population-grows-to-76-individuals-1 ### 2026-10-07: Southern resident orca seen carrying dead calf in B. C. waters A critically endangered southern resident orca, J31 (Tsuchi), was seen carrying a dead newborn calf near Sombrio Point, highlighting ongoing reproductive challenges for the species. 28 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/southern-resident-orca-seen-carrying-dead-calf-near-vancouver-island --- Cite as: Southern resident killer whale population status. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/southern-resident-killer-whale-population-status