[Animals] Rest in Peace, Kavna

This afternoon, the Vancouver Aquarium lost long time resident, Kavna. She was a 46(est.) year old beluga whale, who lived at the Aquarium since 1976.

My Encounter with Kavna

Kavna is estimated to be one of (if not, the) oldest living beluga whale in an aquarium. Generally, it is believed that beluga whales live to be 25-30 years old, and she had far surpassed that.

For more information, visit the Vancouver Sun's posting.

Kavna was a stubborn girl, who was very set in her ways. She was sweet though, and I'm so happy I was able to do an encounter with her. She was very gentle, and cooperative. It's my understanding that encounters with her were rare, because she could be a little fussy, so this was even more special. Thank you for your time, Kavna.

It's going to be so strange to see the Wild Arctic without here there. After so many years with her around, it just won't be the same. The Vancouver Aquarium had only been around twenty years before Kavna arrived. Most people who visited before today, though they may not know it, would not have been to the aquarium without her there.

I'm going to miss her so very much. Rest in peace, you beautiful beluga. There will never be another quite like you.

[Animals] Here We Go Again

So, another harbor porpoise has been rescued of BC's coast! And again, I've signed up to help. Confidentiality keeps me from saying too much, or posting any pictures. At least, that was the drills last time, I assume it's the same as always. Regardless, I'm excited! A young adult, named Theodore.

Click here for more info on Theodore. Photo credit goes to
the Vancouver Aquarum. 

I know I shouldn't speculate, but if he survives (that's a huge if), I think chances could be good that he could be released. That is of course, assuming the damage done to his tail doesn't have any lasting effects. Though, it is to my understanding that stranded cetaceans often suffer from serious muscle damage. So, that could have a negative impact as well. It would be nice to seem him released though. It would be fantastic for the Aquarium, knowing that for any new animal that makes its home there, "animal rights" groups have a field day. "Oh, they just want another animal for their collection.". If these groups really knew anything about these animals, they would know that they could not survive in the wild. (I'm referring to Jack and Daisy, here) The decision to be released, or kept, is not even up to the Aquarium in any way. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (a government operation) is responsible for that decision.

Due to the fact that he's a bit older than Jack and Daisy were, I think he stands a better chance of release. However, it seems that the older animals haven't done as well in recovery, and the muscle damage/tail wound  could really impact his recovery and chance of release.

Then again, I'm just thinking aloud here, and I don't have any fancy degrees, and I can't speak for the animal care staff. Please do not take this post too seriously. Anything could happen. Let's all just wish Theodore good luck, and a speedy recovery.

My Porpoise In Life

So let me start off by saying that I never thought I would even see a harbor porpoise in real life, let alone have the opportunity to help rehabilitate three. Honestly, harbor porpoises weren't really even on my radar. I knew of them, I thought they were cute, but that was about it. Now though, I have a deep fondness and passion and respect for the species.

Daisy and her precious noodles.

The first was Daisy. My first shift started with her in September, 2008. It was instant love. She spent a lot of time puttering around in a sling that was made just for her, to help support her in the water while she was too weak to swim. Once she was strong enough, she seemed to develop a love for pool noodles. She'd push them around on her little head. I remember having to make sure that they didn't cover her blow-hole. I took the noodle off once, and pushed it away from her....Daisy promptly picked up the noodle on her head and swam back to me. I'm convinced she thought she was a dog...

Daisy even inspired me to get a tattoo, my second one. Porpoise flukes splashing out from some waves, with of course, a daisy in the background.

Daisy coming over to say 'hello!'.

In July 2009, she was deemed non-releasable by the Canadian government, and was transferred to the Vancouver Aquarium. In my opinion, they made the right decision (I apply this thought to Jack as well.) She was too dependent on humans, and having stranded at such a very young age, she had next to none of the skills necessary to survive in the wild. She's thriving now, and (pardon my anthromorphism), she seems pretty darned content. She seems in enjoy the visitors that come to see her, as well as her new companion, Jack. 

Learn more about Daisy here.




Siyay was the second harbor porpoise that I met. A little older than Daisy. "Sub-adult" they called him. I had one, maybe two shifts with him in May, 2011. He was rescued on April 26, 2011. Unfortunately, this handsome boy didn't survive...He would seem to get better, then something would get worse. It was up and down a lot...

Siyay, Unknown Source. Credit goes to the photographer, not myself. 

The cause of death ended up being a terrestrial parasite called "protozoan endephalitus", something in his brain that I don't think ever could have been detected. I hope that he last days were as comfortable as they could have been....he was certainly surrounded by people that loved him. I'm sorry we couldn't help you, Siyay.


Official photos of Siyay.
More information about his rescue here and his death here.

A typical 'Jack' greeting. 

Jack was the third, and latest porpoise that I was able to work with, my first shift starting in October 2011. When I say 'work with', by the way, I mean monitoring respiration-rate, assisting with feeding, watching for strange behavior, and more or less babysitting.  Jack was a lot different from Daisy...similar to boys vs, girls, I suppose. While Daisy liked playing with her toys, Jack was more outgoing and "Hey, look at me!".  He liked to spyhop (he still does), and like Daisy, he also seemed to enjoy retrieving his toys and bringing them back.

This is typically what you'll see now when you visit the "Sugar Seal Pool".
You can tell it's Jack by the long white scar in front of his dorsal fin. 

In May 2012 (I think...honestly can't remember exactly when), Jack made his debut at the Vancouver Aquarium. Sharing a habitat with Daisy, and being as social as ever. Jack seems to absolutely love any visitors that come to see him, spending most of his day at the viewing window. (It's hard to leave him, when you know he'll be there, watching you walk away. I wonder if he thinks to himself, "Why are they leaving? What did I do?".) He's a people-pleaser, that's for sure. Their habitat is not a main attraction, but I implore anyone visiting the Vancouver Aquarium to go and visit the harbor porpoises. No, not the "baby dolphins". They are very different. There is plenty of signage to tell you exactly who, and what they are. Daisy now has things on her mind other than visitors, quite often, so it is like Jack that will be the first to come and say hi.

Learn more about Jack here.

Sometimes, you get both, and everything becomes the cutest thing you've ever seen.