Southern-resident killer whales lose newborn calf, and another youngster is ailing

A new calf born to the critically endangered southern-resident killer whales Tuesday died within a half-hour of its birth.

The loss of the calf reported by Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Research continues the reproductive failure of the southern residents, which have not managed a successful pregnancy in three years.

The calf’s mother, J35, was seen Tuesday carrying her dead calf as she swam, refusing to let her go, hour upon hour, Balcomb said.

“Maybe this is her