It’s a boy! Officials say Southern Resident Tahlequah’s newest son appears healthy

POINT ROBERTS, Wash. — Officials have identified J57, who was born to Southern Resident Tahlequah earlier this month, as a boy.

The Center for Whale Research released new photos of J57 after he was spotted Tuesday night near Point Roberts.

Officials estimated he was born on Sept. 4. He is the second viable calf of his mother Tahlequah, J35, and joins his brother, J47, who was born in 2010.

Tahlequah gained worldwide fame after carrying her dead calf for 17 days before letting it go in 2018.

The Center for Whale Research says J57 was seen rolling, spyhopping and swimming alongside Tahlequah, who was foraging for food.

“For the Southern Resident killer whale community’s population sustainability, it is preferred that new calves are female,” officials said. “But regardless of gender, J57 is a very welcome addition. He is robust and appears healthy.”

Cox Media Group