Canusa
Beluga
Adopted by Tadoussac Elderhostel
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ID number
DL0219
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Sex
Male
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Year of birth
Before 1978
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Known Since
1990
Distinctive traits
Canusa can be identified by the multiple notches on its dorsal crest, but its signature are the two deep scars, like two eyes with a menacing stare, found on its left flank.
Life history
Known since 1993, he was already all white. Canusa was born around 1978.
His sex was confirmed by genetic analysis of a biopsy taken from his back. He is male. Canusa belongs to one of the two networks of males that criss-cross the Saguenay Fjord.
Canusa’s sex was identified by biopsy. This is carried out with a modified rifle. With this modified rifle, we can adjust the pressure of the shot, depending on the distance from the animal, so as to control the force with which the sting penetrates the skin and fat. The rifle is also equipped with a fishing reel that allows the line to be reeled in, avoiding the need to manoeuvre the boat and enter the herd. This line, which remains taut during projection, acts as a dart stabilizer when the dart is projected, in the same way as the tail of an arrow.
Observations history in the Estuary
Years in which the animal was not observed Years in which the animal was observed
Latest news
We decide to head for Baie Saint-Marguerite in the Saguenay Fjord. There, we see Cumulus and Canusa among a group of seven belugas. The group is made up exclusively of white animals, probably adult males. We decide to leave the area, as the animals quickly leave the site.
In summer, pods of adult males migrate up the Saguenay Fjord. These belugas often make their way to Sainte-Marguerite Bay, where they indulge in some astonishing behavior : vocalizing at the water’s surface, heads and pectoral fins out of the water, and “billotage” drowsiness.
Sponsor
Tadoussac Elderhostel adopted Eldy (2000), Canusa (2001), Tadou (2004), Amalena (2014) and Nomi (2015).
I’ve been coming to Tadoussac since I was 8 months old (i.e. since 1938) and me, my wife, my daughters, my son-in-law and my grandchildren adore this country. We were brought up with whales, and belugas in particular.
The participants in my Elderhostel groups were also touched by these wonderful whales, so we decided to participate in their protection and preservation by contributing funds to the adoption program. I’ve also decided to personally “match” the donations that are made.
To find out more about Tadoussac Elderhostel, please visit Tadalac.com.
Thank you for your support,
Benny Beattie