Putting aside their grief, the marine mammals and animal healthcare staffers had to act quickly and make some hard decisions to try to save the little whale. Luckily, Kayavak was just barely old enough to begin eating fish, because it was unlikely that the animal-care staff could have sustained her with even the best substitute formula. For months, the marine mammals staffers and volunteers worked three shifts to take the place of Kayavak's mom and not only make her feel secure and happy again but also teach her how to be a beluga whale.
As everyone knows, Kayavak thrived, and she's now an adolescent. You can still identify her by the milk-white "handprint" on her back and her unusually large eyes — just like her mom's.
We wrote a children's book about Kayavak, and we're especially pleased with the illustrations that go with the story. Artist Carrie Stickan went through several rounds of sketches for each illustration until she had perfectly portrayed the calf and the people who care for her. You may recognize some of the trainers on your next visit to Shedd Aquarium to see Kayavak.
Now read Kayavak — The Amazing First Year of a Beluga Whale (pop-up window, Flash Player 8 required).
