Lugi
Beluga
Adopted by Beluga Shipping GMBH
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ID number
DL0354
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Sex
Male
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Year of birth
Before 1978
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Known Since
1994
Distinctive traits
Lugi can be distinguished from other belugas by his three small scars below the dorsal crest on his left flank. The wide notch on his crest also identifies him from the right flank.
Life history
The first time Lugi was photographed, in 1994, he was already immaculately white. He was therefore born before 1978.
Lugi’s sex was confirmed by genetic analysis of a biopsy : he is a male. He is part of the network of males in the area between Tadoussac and Les Escoumins.
Lugi is a male beluga. Visually, it’s difficult to determine an individual’s sex. Males are generally longer and bigger than females. How did we find out Lugi’s sex? By removing a tiny piece of fat and skin, containing Lugi’s genetic secrets, with the help of a crossbow that propels a dart fitted with a dart. GREMM has been taking biopsies from belugas since 1994 to identify sex and family relationships.
Observations history in the Estuary
Years in which the animal was not observed Years in which the animal was observed
Latest news
We come across Lugi in a herd of some sixty individuals at the mouth of the Saguenay. Lugi is accompanied by adults, calves and a newborn. The whole herd is slowly making its way down the St. Lawrence. We attempt a biopsy, but the sting passes right over the animal! Disappointing! A thick fog settles in at the mouth, and for lack of visibility, we have to leave the herd. We head for the upper fjord, where visibility still seems good, to find more belugas.
Sponsor
Beluga Shipping GMBH adopted Lugi (2009).