Just over 70 killer whales remain. California may give them new protection

California is taking a closer look at one of the Pacific coast’s most iconic and imperilled animals: the southern resident killer whale. State wildlife officials are now gathering public input on whether these orcas should be formally listed as endangered under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA), a move that would add a new layer of protection for a population already in serious trouble.Southern resident killer whales were listed as endangered under the U.S. federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 2005, and their numbers remain alarmingly low. As of 2024, the population was estimated at just over 70 individuals, highlighting how close they are to the brink. These whales are highly social, long‑lived animals that depend heavily on Chinook salmon for food.