In loving memory of J60, the youngest member of the critically endangered Southern Resident orca population. Born around Christmas, J60 dazzled beachgoers with sightings near the shoreline of Bainbridge Island. With only 74 Southern Resident orcas left, his birth was a symbol of hope, but his life was cut short after just one month. Tragically, the mortality rate among these orca calves is quite high, with researchers estimating that about half survive to adulthood. This is largely due to the lack of their primary food source — Chinook salmon — leading to poor nutrition and starvation. For years the Center has worked to prevent the extinction of Southern Resident orcas. J60, we'll keep fighting for your kin, for your kind. 💔 #killerwhale #orcas #orca #southernresidentkillerwhales #pugetsound #wildlifeconservation #marineconservation #marinemammals #j60