The Vancouver Aquarium’s marine mammal care and veterinary teams, staff and volunteers, are delighted to announce that Aurora, a 20 year old beluga whale, gave birth today.
The amazing event occurred at 3:39pm (PST) after a 3-hour labour. The Aquarium’s veterinary team has determined with 90% certainty the calf is female (it can be up to 6 months before gender determination becomes certain). Immediately following her birth, the calf swam right up to the surface of the water for her first breaths, the first of many critical milestones in the development of a newborn calf. Aurora’s natural maternal instincts were also immediately evident as she instinctively picked up her calf, guided her to the surface for breaths, and swam continuously with her by her side.
The calf and mother are doing well and will remain under 24-hour observation by
the Aquarium’s veterinary and marine mammal care teams. The first 12-24 hours following birth is a key observation period for critical milestones for the calf and its relationship with the mother including bonding and nursing. Veterinary staff estimate the calf’s length to be 1.5 metres (~5 feet) and her weight to be 60-70kg (132-154lbs). The new baby is a slate, smoky grey colour which will gradually lighten as the whale matures; calves are normally quite wrinkled for the first several weeks.
NO Song of the Day today because: http://youtube.com/vancouveraquarium - enjoy!
mummy & baby
great memories!
