Crissy and Her New CalfThe new baby beluga whale is long, thin, bald and has dark skin. By that description you'd think she was my very own daughter! Well, she is... sort of. When a baby is born at SeaWorld we take it very personally. It's as though its our own child. We take great pride in the milestone and care deeply for the new addition. It's a wonderful time for everyone who works at the park.
Prior to the birth there are months of anticipation and preparation, and it's not just the members of the zoological team who contribute. It's a park-wide effort. Our Park Operations team re-arranges show schedules because once the baby is born shows stop for a while in order to allow mom and baby uninterrupted time to bond. Our Education department brushes up on baby beluga facts so they can talk about it in their tours.
Once the baby is born it gets even more intense. Veterinarians pay frequent visits to give periodic check-ups to insure that mom and baby are well. (Little known fact about marine mammals is that they are not always the best mothers from the get go. Sometimes we have to help get the process started and fortunately we are very good at that. Just the other day I “milked” the mother. How many of you can say that?!) Animal trainers, keepers, and educators watch the mom and calf 24/7 for an entire month. In that time we collect data on nursing, bonding, and mom and baby behavior. It's a great opportunity because when an animal is born in our care it gives us the unique chance to learn things that are very difficult to learn from observing animals in the natural environment. This information proves very valuable for future births here and at other zoological facilities.
Yep, when a baby is born we really earn our money! But more than the money, it's a labor of love. So think of us when you're getting your good night's sleep at 3am. We're here making sure our newest addition and her mother are doing well. When you think about it, it's not so different from being the parent of a baby human.
I know you have questions. Let's hear them.
Continued success and blessings.
Chuck Cureau
Editor's Update on June 25: The Viva show is up and running at the Beluga Stadium. To receive information on changing events at SeaWorld San Antonio, please join our Facebook community.
