Foreign media outlets have reported a poignant story of a mother whale, identified as Telqua, who swam over 1,000 miles while carrying the body of her deceased newborn calf on her head.
The Whale Research Center in Washington state confirmed that Telqua’s calf died on New Year’s Day. Researchers initially observed the calf alive on December 20, but it tragically passed away shortly afterward.
On the day of the calf’s death, researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration captured images of Telqua swimming in Seattle’s waters, carrying the lifeless body of her newborn atop her head.
This is not the first time Telqua has displayed such remarkable behavior. In 2018, she made headlines for traveling thousands of miles over 17 days, pushing the body of another deceased calf. Both of her lost calves, documented as females, have underscored the emotional bonds and mourning rituals exhibited by whales.
Telqua’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the depth of connection between marine mammals and their offspring, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide.
