Chester is the latest permanent resident at the Vancouver Aquarium. He’s a young False Killer Whale who was spotted alone, motherless, podless, injured, and stranded on North Chesterton Beach, British Columbia, a year ago. He was estimated to be between four and six weeks old at that time, and even lacked teeth. When he’s full grown, Chester might measure as much as 20 feet in length and weigh up to 4900 lbs–significantly bigger than a bottlenose dolphin.
my, what big baby teeth you have! a few inches of glass is all that separates us.
f/4, 1/400, 24-105 mm lens, ISO 5000, no flash
He has a fascination with the humans in the lower viewing area of his living quarters–so much so that he doesn’t just swim by and give viewers the eye, but actually stops for a minute to mug with the eager hands waving at him. That is how I was able to get this closeup of him–he was making the rounds to see his adoring fans. Photographed on July 14. See more examples of this week’s WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge: Closeup.
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He’s certainly giving you the glad eye there.
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no aloofness from this cetacean: he really loves humans, and the attention and affection he gets from his trainers/handlers! 🙂
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Hello, Chester 🙂
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Chester says hi right back! 🙂
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He’s handsome and intelligent. And obviously loving those fans 🙂
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he’s like an oversized puppy — he likes having his tongue and teeth stroked! 🙂
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Wow! He probably loves the company too
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definitely! 😀
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Cetaceans are wicked smart. He may have imprinted on his rescuers – I’d love to see him sometime and what a wonderful photo! Made my day!
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I think so 🙂 — unable to feed and fend for himself at that tender age, his rescuers and round-the-clock caregivers are all his “mommies” 🙂
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So beautiful!
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thank you! when I first saw him, he reminded of a dinosaur! 🙂
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It is beautiful this baby orca, Congratulations to the photographer.
They are intelligent animals.
I wish you a good day.
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thank you, Hervé, I’m happy to have the rare opportunity to photograph him up close! 🙂
cheers, Hui
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What a cutie! We’ve not been to the Aquarium in a couple of decades…might have to go see him next time we’re in Vancouver. 🙂
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Teresa,
Many things have changed in the past 10 years, and definitely since I was a kid visiting the aquarium for the first time. Definitely it was highly unusual to see a Vanaqua cetacean wander right up to the viewing windows and mug with people for the camera. 🙂
Cheers,
Hui
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I’ll bet a lot has changed. I would love to go again. I have a photo of my dad at the polar bears exhibit from 1971 and every time I look at it, I get nostalgic for the Aquarium. 🙂
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wow, that is a long time ago! 🙂
sadly, there are no more polar bears (or wildlife in the external exhibits on the grounds of Stanley Park any more; all the wildlife has been moved into the aquarium).
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Well, in a way, I suppose that’s good. Zoos kind of depress me, which is why I’ve not been to the aquarium in so long. I did love the polar bears though. 🙂
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yes, I understand that. I would very much prefer to see animals in their native habitats, too. the penguins are still around, as are the otters, sealions, and a few cetaceans (beluga, dolphins).
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Lovely, and I hope Chester isn’t too lonely.
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he’s got a Pacific White-Sided Dolphin for a bigger sister and a tankmate (time will tell if they will get along/bond, since he’s still very much a baby), plus a female beluga in an adjoining pool. 🙂
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That’s great.
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Thanks for stopping by my website, A Photo’s Worth. marlenefrankel.wordpress.com
Love the minimalist look for this image. Lovely shape, and good composition.
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you’re welcome, Marlene, and thank you!
cheers, Hui
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He is so beautiful!
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thank you, Karen. it’s like he knew I wanted him to smile for the camera! 🙂
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He’s adorable! I can imagine he’s a popular guy!
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oh yes … he has even taken the spotlight away from the jellyfish! 🙂
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Such a perfect shot!…. Great photograph, indeed!… All my best wishes to you. Aquileana ⭐
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thank you, Aquileana! curiosity made me a new friend. 🙂
Cheers,
Hui
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Fun post !!!!! Hello to Chester !!
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oh, he likes you. his toothy grin says it all. 🙂
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😀 Animals always love me– it’s people that hate me. 😀
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and I’ll bet you like it that way, Chris!! 😉
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It’s been a long time since I visited the aquarium located about a half hour’s drive from here; you’ve inspired me to do so again — this time, with my camera (but after school vacation is over, as I don’t want to be constantly jostled by hordes of kiddies!)
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that’s a very good idea. we last went on a Tuesday this month, and the place was an absolute ZOO … Stanley Park itself as well as the aquarium. we ate at the Fish House, and they were so busy at lunch that they actually had to turn people away!!
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Right oN! 😎
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