Endangered orca pushes dead calf in waters near San Juan Islands, highlighting species' struggle.

An endangered female orca named J36 was observed pushing her dead newborn calf in the waters near the San Juan Islands, Washington, on September 13, 2025. The calf was either full-term or near full-term, but it is unclear if it was stillborn or died shortly after birth. This behavior is believed to be a sign of grief. There are fewer than 75 southern resident killer whales left, and conservation efforts are critical to prevent their extinction.