False killer whale 'Chester' defies the odds in recovery at Vancouver Aquarium
7-month-old calf now too big for rescue pool, moves to larger pool at Vancouver Aquarium
A false killer whale calf rescued by the Vancouver Aquarium in July is gaining so much weight, he's outgrown his pool.
- VIDEO | False killer whale calf when he was first rescued in July
- VIDEO | False killer whale Chester gaining weight In October
The Aquarium has released a new video showing the seven-month-old whale's progress, and his move to a larger pool in the research wing of the aquarium.
The seven-month-old calf, named "Chester," was receiving 24-hour care in an above-ground pool at the Aquarium's Marine Mammal Rescue Centre, near the Port of Vancouver.
"Chester has regained a lot of strength, he's becoming quite a great swimmer, needs a bit more room to exercise," said Vancouver Aquarium veterinarian Dr. Martin Haulena.
In the video, you can hear the whale vocalize, and see staff trying to comfort him on his bumpy ride through Vancouver.
"The move went fantastic," but it will take time for Chester to feel comfortable in the new pool, said Dr. Haulena.
The calf was in poor shape when Tofino residents discovered him stranded on North Chesterman Beach in July.
His eyes were closed, and he was dehydrated and underfed. At just four to six weeks old, and without teeth, he was at a stage where whales completely rely on their mother's milk for nourishment.
At the time, he was given a 10 percent chance of survival.