In 2018, researchers observed J35 pushing her dead calf along for 17 days, propping it up for more than 1,000 miles.

In 2018, researchers observed J35 pushing her dead calf along for 17 days, propping it up for more than 1,000 miles.

By New Years Day, officials with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed J35 was carrying her calf's dead body, said Brad Hanson, a research scientist with the federal agency.

By New Years Day, officials with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed J35 was carrying her calf's dead body, said Brad Hanson, a research scientist with the federal agency.

The mother orca, known as Tahlequah or J35, was seen carrying the body of the deceased female calf since Wednesday, the Washington state-based Center for Whale Research said in a Facebook post.

By New Years Day, officials with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed J35 was carrying her calf’s dead body, said Brad Hanson, a research scientist with the federal agency.

By New Years Day, officials with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed J35 was carrying her calf’s dead body, said Brad Hanson, a research scientist with the federal agency.

By New Years Day, officials with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed J35 was carrying her calf's dead body, said Brad Hanson, a research scientist with the federal agency.