Baby Belugas Grow Up So Fast!

The next time you come to see the new Whale and Dolphin show at the park, look over to the right. You might see me playing with one of the newest members of the show team, Qinu. She was a Beluga Whale born at the park on July 31, 2008.

Qinu and trainer during the all-new Azul show

After nursing and bonding with her mom, she has become more independent and interacts with us poolside while mom performs in the show. This is our time with her to begin building relationships with us as trainers. This will help with trust and we can teach her all the behaviors she needs to know for the show, for physical exams, and for exercise. She is also getting used to an environment with lights, synchronized swimmers, and guests abound. Belugas are known for their huge flight response when something is foreign or startling.

Qinu getting a fish from trainer, Amanda Jakubowski

By Qinu seeing lots of new things, and seeing that we are there and nothing bad will happen, we are preparing her for all the possibilities that life at the park will entail. She is learning basic control while in the show, which means she will stay calm with her own trainer. She is learning how to roll over so that we can get a full check of her body. She is also learning to slide all the way out of the water and onto the scale, something all of our adults do. Weighing them weekly makes sure the animals are gaining or maintaining weight.

Amanda working hand targets with Qinu

Lastly, Qinu will soon hold for her first fluke present so that our veterinarians can draw blood. This is for her yearly physical. By training the animals to allow these behaviors, we do not have to restrain or sedate them. This allows us to take better care of the animals. So why you see that little baby whale in the show for a short period of time, know that her day is full of lots of learning and playing!