SEATTLE — The mother orca known as J35, or Tahlequah, has been seen carrying her deceased calf for at least 11 days, drawing attention to the critically endangered southern resident killer whales.
The orca (Orcinus orca), or killer whale, is a toothed whale and the largest member of the oceanic dolphin family. The only extant species in the genus Orcinus, it is recognizable by its distinct pigmentation; being mostly black on top, white on the bottom and having recognizable white eye patches.
Learn killer facts about killer whales with the latest orca news, articles and features from Live Science.
They are known as Orcas, Killer Whales or – off the west coast of North America – Blackfish. They are found in all of the world’s major oceans, covering all latitudes, and inhabit both coastal waters and open oceans. Each population of orcas, while similar in appearance, has vastly different habits.
AOL: Wildlife Photographer Gets 'First-Ever' Photos of an Orca Birth, Which Included a 'Protective Circle' of Killer Whales
A whale-watching group was treated to a rare spectacle on an excursion in Norway. "A new life - birth of an orca baby," Krisztina Balotay, a wildlife photographer with Orca Channel, wrote on social ...
Wildlife Photographer Gets 'First-Ever' Photos of an Orca Birth, Which Included a 'Protective Circle' of Killer Whales
komonews: Southern Resident whale continues to carry her dead calf, highlighting orca grief process
Southern Resident whale continues to carry her dead calf, highlighting orca grief process
Scientific studies have revealed many different populations with several distinct ecotypes (or forms) of killer whales worldwide—some of which may be different species or subspecies. They are one of the most recognizable marine mammals, with their distinctive black and white bodies.