The last time I wrote about these whales, I had no idea where they were from, what there gender is, or indeed how old they are. Somewhat recently I learned a little more about them. My initial reason for starting this blog, was for the Animal Behavior mooc offered by the University of Melbourne, so I had to 'turn it in' to be evaluated. One of the evaluators happened to be from Vancouver (where this Aquarium happens to be located), so he/she provided me with some more information.
Apparently, these two belugas are actually mother and daughter: the mom is Aurora and Qila is the daughter (who was born in captivity). Qila is 19, meaning Aurora has to be at least 23-26 years old (female Belugas reach sexual maturity between the ages of 4-7). The evaluator suggested the Aurora may be the one exhibiting the circuit swimming, as, "She has been in captivity longer and was caught in the wild, meanwhile her daughter was born in the aquarium, and that is all she has known and is more comfortable with it."
Unfortunately, all the evaluations were anonymous, so I am unable to thank him/her for the valuable information: if you happen to read this blog THANK YOU!
Although, I now know the real names, and genders of these two whales, I've become quite found of Captain Nemo and Wake, so forgive me if I continue to incorrectly identify them.
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