As Tahlequah, the orca famously known for carrying her deceased calf for an astonishing 17 days in 2018, repeats her heartbreaking journey, researchers are urging a shift in how humans understand and treat animals. For the second time in seven years, Tahlequah has been observed carrying the lifeless body of her newborn calf, this time for at least 10 days in the waters near Vancouver Island and Washington’s San Juan Island.
Barbara J. King, an anthropologist and author of How Animals Grieve, believes there is no doubt about the emotional significance of Tahlequah’s actions. “I am more convinced than ever that animals, including many species, experience grief born from deep bonds and love,” said King.
Once dismissed by many in the scientific community, the concept of animal grief is now gaining broader acceptance. According to King, research across species—ranging from elephants and baboons to ducks and cats—provides mounting evidence that animals mourn the loss of loved ones. This paradigm shift is especially meaningful to King, who recalls the days when scientists avoided using emotional terminology to describe animal behavior. “We used to say animals showed proximity or unusual expressions, carefully avoiding words like ‘sorrow.’ But the field has evolved significantly,” she said.
Tahlequah, also known as J35, was first seen pushing the remains of her calf on New Year’s Eve, and researchers from the Center for Whale Research confirmed the heartbreaking scene continued well into January. This poignant act of mourning mirrors her 2018 ordeal, which captivated global attention and inspired conversations about animal emotions and ethics.
King, a research fellow at PAN Works, a center for animal ethics, says she feels a deep connection to Tahlequah. “I call her by her name, not an alphanumeric designation,” she explained. “As a fellow mammalian mother, I grieve alongside her.”
Orcas, King emphasized, are highly intelligent creatures with intricate social bonds and a profound awareness of relationships. Tahlequah’s behavior is a powerful testament to the emotional depth of these animals. “Within the scientific framework, I’m as certain as I can be that she is expressing her sorrow,” she said. “Animal grief, joy, fear, happiness—these emotions don’t belong exclusively to humans.”
King acknowledged the importance of avoiding anthropomorphism or overly romanticized interpretations of animal behavior. However, she asserts that Tahlequah’s actions speak volumes. “This is an animal clearly communicating that she has suffered a significant loss.”
Tahlequah’s story, King hopes, will inspire people to reconsider their relationship with animals and the environment. She highlights the selective empathy often extended to species like elephants, orcas, and chimps, while other animals, like dairy cows separated from their calves, are overlooked. “We need to question these biases and expand our moral circle to include all animals impacted by human actions,” she said.
King’s ultimate hope is that Tahlequah’s grief will galvanize people to take action. “If you care about her, let that care translate into meaningful change,” she urged. “It’s time to confront how our actions contribute to the suffering of animals like Tahlequah and find ways to do better.
