Delphine
Beluga
Adopted by Laporte school students
-
ID number
DL0035
-
Sex
Female
-
Year of birth
Before 1974
-
Known Since
1986
Distinctive traits
Delphine is easily recognized from the right flank by her long, deep, sinuous scar at the back of her head. Her dorsal crest contains several fairly deep notches, mainly in the posterior part.
Life history
The first time Delphine was photographed, in 1986, she was already immaculately white. She was therefore born before 1974.
Her associations and habits, as well as the fact that the research team repeatedly saw her in the company of a calf, confirmed that Delphine is a female from the Saguenay community.
In summer, females form large communities in which they look after newborns and young. These communities are attached to traditional territories, and there is little exchange between them. St. Lawrence belugas generally give birth between June and September. The calves are nursed for around two years. This period of learning and mothering is vital to the survival of the newborn.
Observations history in the Estuary
Years in which the animal was not observed Years in which the animal was observed
Latest news
On August 17, 1992, Delphine was present in the heart of the Saguenay. She was far from alone ; some thirty belugas formed separate groups of adults and juveniles, including Walter, Twik and Double-Vent.
Delphine’s last sighting was over twenty years ago. What happened to her? Did she die? Has she remained invisible to the researcher’s eye? Impossible to know at the moment. One thing is certain : we remain vigilant and hope to meet her soon.
Sponsor
Laporte school students adopted Delphine (1990).