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Southern resident killer whale population status

Updated 6 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-10-23 18:25 UTC → 2026-10-23 19:37 UTC · added removed

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 nursing, socializing, and is estimated to be less than a week old. 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.

Versions

  1. 2026-10-23 19:37 UTC Southern resident killer whale population status
  2. 2026-10-23 18:25 UTC Southern resident killer whale population status
  3. 2026-10-23 01:02 UTC Southern resident killer whale population status
  4. 2026-10-14 01:12 UTC Southern resident killer whale population status
  5. 2026-10-14 01:12 UTC Southern resident killer whale population status
  6. 2026-10-14 01:12 UTC Southern resident killer whale population status
  7. 2026-10-13 23:57 UTC Southern resident killer whale population status

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