Rescued false killer whale calf healthier, now swimming in larger pool (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

Dec 19 2017, 7:54 pm

Nearly two months after being found injured and sick on a Tofino beach, the rescued false killer whale calf is now on the road to recovery and able to swim in a larger pool at the Vancouver Aquarium’s Marine Mammal Rescue Centre.

The animal, named Chester, was found in July with lacerations and wounds along its body, when he was just four to six weeks old. He did not have any teeth, which indicated he was still nursing from his mother.

Ever since, he has been cared for around the clock by Aquarium veterinarians. The ability to relocate Chester to a larger pool indicates he can now swim faster and dive deeper.

Aquarium staff say that against all odds, the baby has been slowly gaining weight and strength. He is now tube fed every 1.5 hours, along with some whole fish.

A member of the dolphin family, the false killer whale is a distinct species from the more commonly known orca whale. Globally widespread, but locally uncommon, false killer whales are an open ocean species found in the tropics in all oceans of the world, and only occasionally spotted in B.C. waters.

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Image: Vancouver Aquarium

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Image: Vancouver Aquarium

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Image: Vancouver Aquarium

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Image: Vancouver Aquarium

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Image: Vancouver Aquarium

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Image: Vancouver Aquarium

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Image: Vancouver Aquarium

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Image: Vancouver Aquarium

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Image: Vancouver Aquarium

Feature Image: Vancouver Aquarium

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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