Tahlequah, an orca mother, showcased her immense sorrow by carrying her dead calf for a staggering seventeen days. Observing scientists were profoundly impacted by the display of grief. Fellow orcas greatly assisted Tahlequah through this challenging emotional experience. Research from subsequent years revealed similar mourning patterns, illuminating the deep emotional ties that link whales to both their kin and the human experience.
Back to Lifestyle
Lifestyle
July 21, 2026 at 6:58 AM
Tahlequahs 'tour of grief': Orca mother carried dead calf for 1,600 kms over 17 days
TOI Lifestyle