FRIDAY HARBOR, Wash. — Three more Southern Resident orcas have been declared dead.
The Center for Whale Research determined that one whale from each pod of the Southern Resident killer whales has died, bringing their total population down to 73.
King 5 reports the deceased orcas are J17, K25, and L84.
42-year-old female J17 was observed in declining health this year and researchers said she and her daughter had “deteriorated in body condition” as of May.
Drone images showed she had a condition called peanut head, which is a sign of malnutrition.
J17 and K25 have been reported missing from their pods since July and 28-year-old L84 has been missing since January.