Tahlequah Loses Second Orca Calf and We’re All Mourning With Her

Shockingly Well-Preserved Dinosaur Trackway Found in England

Researchers from the UK’s University of Birmingham discovered dinosaur tracks dating back over 160 million years. Paleontologists excavated Dewars Farm Quarry and found giant tracks that created what some have called a “dinosaur highway.” Experts believe the tracks identified at the scene belonged to the Megalosaurus and Cetiosaurus, carnivores and herbivores, respectively.

The Megalosaurus was the first dinosaur ever identified by scientists and has ranked as the longest-studied dinosaur since its discovery. The group excavating the area had already discovered dinosaur tracks nearly 30 years prior. However, researchers at the time did little to photograph the footprints and keep the location accessible, causing them to search elsewhere for prints. Researchers described discovering the tracks as “surreal” and “exhilarating,” and scientists hope the discovery will answer more questions about dinosaur behavior and movement across continents.

Tahlequah Has Lost Another Baby, Carries Its Body on Her Head in Grief

Six years ago, a killer whale named Tahlequah carried her dead baby’s carcass for over 1,000 miles for over two weeks. She gave birth to a calf in 2018 but lost the baby soon after. Once again, Tahlequah demonstrates her grief after her most recent offspring, born December 20, also passed away. Tahlequah carries her newborn’s body on her head, and scientists are unsure how long she’ll continue to interact with the carcass.

Some experts have attributed this demonstration of grief to similarities between humans and whales, both mammals. Additionally, research has shown that killer whales have neurotransmitters and hormones similar to humans, allowing them to operate in a more emotionally complex way than other animals. Some species that share distinct emotional behaviors include dolphins and primates, which are intelligent, high-functioning mammals. Find out more about killer whales and their emotional intelligence here.

Protected Wolf Shot and Killed in Colorado, Sparks Public Outrage

A controversial campaign to reintroduce predators to the state of Colorado recently turned sour after a protected wolf was shot and killed. Authorities found a gray wolf dead from a gunshot wound and remarked on its poor condition. Killing a protected animal is a federal crime under the Endangered Species Act, making the wolf’s death especially severe for all parties. The investigation into who shot and killed the wolf is ongoing, and officials hope to find the perpetrator soon to deliver justice. Click here to find out about gray wolf protection and their endangerment classification.