The orca is part of a critically endangered subpopulation known as southern resident killer whales. Nearly six years ago, an orca mother drew international attention when she carried her dead calf for 17 consecutive days. NOAAJ35 is part of a critically endangered subpopulation of whales known as southern resident killer whales. Southern resident killer whales have been a target of conservation efforts for decades. Beginning in the 1960s, many southern resident killer whales were killed or captured, with some survivors put on display at marine parks.

---

Persons: “, ” Brad Hanson, we’re, Joe Gaydos, ” Gaydos, Tahlequah, Hanson, Michael Weiss, they’re, ” Weiss, “ It’s, ” Hanson Organizations: National Oceanic, Atmospheric Administration, NOAA Fisheries Northwest Fisheries Science Center, SeaDoc Society, NOAA, Center for Whale Research, Puget Sound, Mammal Protection, Sound, Research Locations: West Seattle, Seattle, Southern, Washington