Provincial posted Dec 4, 2017 @ 07:24am by Megan Trudeau

Vancouver Aquarium getting two young walruses from Quebec

The Vancouver Aquarium is expecting two additions to their marine family - two young walruses from the Aquarium of Quebec will soon be transferred to Vancouver.

Lakina and Balzak will be going on the journey together, according to a release from the Aquarium de Quebec, who say it’s time for the two youngsters to leave the nest.

<who>Photo Credit: Aquarium de Quebec</who> Lakina, one of the young walruses.

The release also says that the transfer details are complex, but transportation to their new home could happen before the holidays.

“The departure of Lakina and Balzak will allow the three adult walruses to return to their common pool. Since the birth of the youngest, the adult male, Boris, has been installed in a separate space because in nature, the male does not usually stay with newborns,” says the release, explaining the transfer.

<who>Photo Credit: Aquarium de Quebec</who> Balzak, one of the young walruses.

“This separation has avoided the risk of injury to children and facilitated the monitoring of their development. However, walrus being social animals, after a year and a half of separation, the experts of the Aquarium of Quebec are of the opinion that Boris would benefit from a return to life in a group.”

We can’t wait to welcome Lakina and Balzak to B.C.!