Observed Grieving Behaviors in Orcas:

1. Carrying the Calf: Mothers often carry the deceased calf on their rostrum (nose) or fin, as Tahlequah famously did in 2018 for 17 days over 1,000 miles. This behavior can last days or even weeks and shows their reluctance to let go of their offspring.

2. Pod Support: Other pod members may stay close to the grieving mother, appearing to provide support. Pods exhibit social cohesion, and the loss of a calf can affect the entire group.

3. Altered Behavior: Grieving mothers may exhibit changes in vocalizations, reduced feeding, or slower movement, indicating stress or depression.

Why Do Orcas Grieve So Intensely?

Orcas are highly intelligent and emotional beings with strong family bonds. The Southern Resident orcas, in particular, live in matrilineal societies where mothers, offspring, and extended family stay together for life. Losing a calf is devastating, not just biologically but emotionally, as these orcas rely on their social structures for survival and connection.

The Broader Context:

The SRKW population is critically endangered, with fewer than 75 individuals remaining. Calf losses are especially heartbreaking because this population is already struggling due to:

• Lack of Chinook salmon, their primary food source.

• Pollution and bioaccumulation of toxins.

• Noise pollution from vessels, which disrupts their echolocation and hunting.

• Climate change, impacting their habitat and prey.

Tahlequah’s loss highlights the fragility of this population and underscores the importance of conservation efforts. Her visible grief serves as a reminder of the emotional depth of these creatures and the dire need to protect them and their environment.

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### **1. Restoring Chinook Salmon Populations**

Since Chinook salmon is their primary food source, ensuring an abundant supply is critical.

- **Dam Removal**: Advocate for the removal of dams on key rivers like the Snake and Columbia Rivers, which block salmon migration and reduce spawning habitat.

- **Habitat Restoration**: Support projects to restore estuaries and rivers critical for salmon spawning. For example, reforesting riparian zones and removing barriers like culverts.

- **Sustainable Fishing**: Enforce and follow sustainable fishing practices to avoid depleting salmon stocks.

- **Hatchery Reforms**: Enhance and diversify salmon hatchery programs while ensuring genetic diversity and minimal ecosystem disruption.

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### **2. Reducing Vessel Noise and Traffic**

Noise pollution from boats interferes with orcas' echolocation and communication, essential for hunting and socializing.

- **Quieting the Seas**: Support regulations that require quieter vessel engines and reduce speeds in sensitive areas.

- **Establishing Orca Protection Zones**: Expand and enforce vessel exclusion zones where boats are prohibited or heavily restricted.

- **Education for Boaters**: Promote awareness campaigns so recreational boaters know how to avoid disturbing orcas.

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### **3. Reducing Pollution and Toxins**

Orcas bioaccumulate toxins through their food chain, which impacts their health and reproductive success.

- **Stormwater Management**: Improve infrastructure to prevent runoff containing chemicals, heavy metals, and microplastics from entering waterways.

- **Banning Harmful Chemicals**: Advocate for stricter regulations on PCBs, pesticides, and flame retardants that accumulate in orcas’ bodies.

- **Community Cleanup Efforts**: Participate in shoreline and waterway cleanups to minimize plastic and debris pollution.

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### **4. Addressing Climate Change**

Climate change affects ocean temperatures and prey availability.

- **Local Sustainability Initiatives**: Support renewable energy projects, energy efficiency, and sustainable land use policies.

- **Wetland and Seagrass Conservation**: Preserve habitats that act as carbon sinks and nurseries for fish species.

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### **5. Monitoring and Protecting Orcas**

Increased enforcement of protections and community involvement are crucial.

- **Support Marine Sanctuaries**: Advocate for expanding the boundaries of marine protected areas (MPAs).

- **Stronger Enforcement**: Fund enforcement of existing laws that prohibit harassment of orcas and other marine wildlife.

- **Citizen Science Programs**: Participate in initiatives to monitor and report sightings and behaviors of local orcas.

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### **6. Public Advocacy and Community Involvement**

- **Contact Lawmakers**: Push for policies prioritizing salmon recovery, habitat protection, and pollution reduction.

- **Support Tribal Efforts**: Work with and support Indigenous groups, who often lead salmon restoration and conservation efforts.

- **Educate and Involve Others**: Raise awareness in schools and local communities about the importance of orcas and their ecosystem.

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### **What You Can Do Locally**

- Volunteer with organizations like the **Orca Network**, **The Whale Museum**, or **Long Live the Kings**.

- Reduce your personal carbon footprint.

- Avoid using harmful chemicals and reduce plastic use.

- Choose sustainable seafood options.

- Report whale sightings to local monitoring groups to assist in research.

Protecting these incredible orcas is a collective effort. Their survival reflects the health of the Puget Sound ecosystem, and preserving it will benefit all who share this habitat.