Adam’s birthday was on the last weekend in May. The big thing he wanted to do was either Whale Watching or the Beluga Encounter at the Vancouver Aquarium. Despite the fact that we couldn’t get him in there for his actual birthday, we went down to the aquarium the following weekend for this amazing experience.
Adam had been the lucky one on our Disney Cruise to Alaska who saw the Humpbacks jumping and what he said looked like their feeding patterns. I only saw spouts and tails from a great distance.
He LOVES all things about Marine Animals. Well ALL animals really…but the oceans seem to fascinate him. We finally got a membership at the Aquarium too as they kids could spend every single day there. They love it.
Eight is the age limit for the encounters and they have to be accompanied by an adult. Adam chose me, so this left Patrick with the two girls for two hours. Insert evil chuckle here.
We were with another couple and it too was a birthday gift for the woman and they were as excited as Adam. The first 45 minutes are all about education and awareness. We discussed all the characteristics, habits and geography of the Beluga. For Adam is was like FUN school. Then we donned water boots, washed hands and went through much disinfectant to the kitchens where we could see their and other resident marine mammals daily menus.
4pm was the next show for all the Belugas and so we brought out the food for them all – the females anyway..the big male is ‘on loan’ to another aquarium right now. It was up to the trainers who we would meet and who would be in the show. So we were delighted to meet Aurora up close and personal while, Kavna, Qila and Tiqa headed out to entertain the masses.
All I can say is it was amazing. I felt honored to be so close and to touch such a wonderful creature. I realize that people are uncomfortable with any sort of marine mammals and especially whales being in captivity, and I truly understand and share those concerns.
I do however, feel that education and awareness is crucial to making sure humans put more efforts into being wards of the planet and protecting it for the creatures we share it with.
People tend to be oblivious to the consequences of their very existence here and what energy is required to maintain our lifestyles. Making sure that people and children have a chance to understand WHO we share our world with is crucial.
I support our aquarium with their efforts to educate over entertain.
And this was truly a wonderful way to learn. Adam LOVED it…though was overwhelmed by her size when so close. I just wanted to hug her.
Amber says
That sounds incredible! Good choice, Adam, good choice.