A few weeks ago, Scientists found a baby killer whale in the Salish Sea. They thought that female killer whale (J16) which was swimming with newborn orca was its mother. However, the latest discovery compels scientists to change their previous assumptions.
The new research demonstrates that J16 may help in the delivery of the baby killer whale. Scientists closely analyze the newborn orca and found a few bite marks on the back of its dorsal fin.
Ken Balcomb, lead researcher at Center for Whale Research states that the bite marks indicates that female killer whale performed the role of midwife. However, scientists emphasize that it is merely a hypothesis. They are striving to find out the mother of baby killer whale.
It occurs rarely that another whale gently bites the little baby in order to handle the complications of the delivery. These bites leave teeth marks on the body of the newborn orca. Hence, scientists concluded that female killer whale assisted in delivery.
Generally, baby killer spends a lot of time with their mothers. Sometimes, they even stay for five to six months with them. Therefore, when a 40 years old killer whale was spotted with the baby orca, then scientists considered them as daughter and mother.
Balcomb informs that baby whales are always seen with their mothers. They are considered as the most inseparable creatures. However, this can be regarded as an exceptional case.
