Blanca

We first met Blanca in 2013. Back then, she was already immaculately white. Beluga whales change color from gray to white between the ages of 12 and 16. She would therefore have been born before 2001.

Blanca is female. Her sex was confirmed in 2013 by biopsy, by genetic analysis of a tiny piece of skin and fat taken from her back.

Blanca has been observed among adults and calves. 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.

The rest of Blanca’s story will tell us a lot about the evolution of the beluga’s social life. By understanding how belugas live, we can better protect them.

Hairstory adopted Blanca (2024).