Qila, the Beluga whale, has passed away at the Vancouver Aquarium
Posted November 16, 2016 11:20 am.
Last Updated November 16, 2016 12:12 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – An untimely death for one of the Vancouver Aquarium’s most beloved resident animals. Qila the Beluga whale has passed away.
She was the first-ever Beluga whale to be born in a Canadian aquarium and she arrived in Vancouver on July 23rd, 1995.
“The little whale was quick to win the hearts of everyone who spent time with her, from her caregivers and trainers, to the visitors and members who came to see her as she grew and to learn about her unique species. So it is with very heavy hearts that we share her sudden loss this morning,” the facility says in a statement.
“For two decades Qila has engaged with and inspired tens of millions of people locally, across Canada and around the world. She was a delight for our team of staff and volunteers every single day — always the first to give us a wink, a little tail flap or a head bob in the morning. It is difficult to put into words the love we all had for her. We will miss her immensely.”
The aquarium’s marine mammal care team has cared for Qila for the past 21 years. “There have been days when they’ve spent more time with our Beluga whales than they have with their own children, and we are grateful for their incredible leadership, professionalism and care for our marine mammals.”
The team says it’s now focusing its attention to Qila’s mother Aurora.
