Orca abandons dead calf she carried for 17 days

A killer whale that carried its dead calf for more than two weeks has finally abandoned its body and started feeding.

The Center for Whale Research in the US state of Washington said the orca, known as J35, was seen chasing salmon in Haro Strait west of San Juan Island, Washington, at the weekend.

It had carried the baby’s carcass on its head since the calf died soon after its birth on July 24, in an image of grief that made headlines worldwide.