An orca whose condition was thought to be improving in April is now showing signs of declining health once again.
NOAA released new photos of J17 on Friday. The adult female Southern Resident killer whale was seen by drone on May 6.
Researchers remotely piloted the drone over the J-pod last month. Images captured by the drone showed scientists that J17 and her daughter, J53, had "deteriorated in body condition."
NOAA scientists now believe, based on new photos, that J17 has "peanut head." Peanut head is a sign of malnutrition in orcas.
NOAA Fisheries said in its release Friday that its scientists did not plan immediate intervention. Scientists would continue to monitor their conditions over the summer.
The Southern Resident orcas are endangered. Current estimates show their population at 75. Though low, it's up one after a tough year that included a calf's death that caught the world's attention when its mother carried it for more than two weeks.