So many of you have asked for updates on my adventure and how things are going with the internship. So I set up this blog for all your reading pleasures! Just a little background on the internship I am doing. I intern at Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration in Mystic, CT with the beluga whales. Mystic Aquarium has 3 whales; Kela, Naku, and the only male Inuk.
During this week, I have already learned how to do so many things that I would have never imagined doing! I have learned most of the daily routines done around the aquarium. Brushing and cleaning the exhibit is much like cleaning the pool back home only on a much larger and deeper scale. I knew all those years of cleaning the pool would come in handy! I have learned to prepare the diets, stuff meds in the fish, and check the fish. There are 3 different types of fish that is fed to the whales: herring, capelin, and yummy squid. Each fish in the whales feeding bucket must be examined for any cuts or tears in the skin that could potentially harbor bacteria. I have already given all 3 whales tongue rubs! How awesome is that?! I would have never thought by my second day I would be patting a belugas tongue!
During this week, I have already learned how to do so many things that I would have never imagined doing! I have learned most of the daily routines done around the aquarium. Brushing and cleaning the exhibit is much like cleaning the pool back home only on a much larger and deeper scale. I knew all those years of cleaning the pool would come in handy! I have learned to prepare the diets, stuff meds in the fish, and check the fish. There are 3 different types of fish that is fed to the whales: herring, capelin, and yummy squid. Each fish in the whales feeding bucket must be examined for any cuts or tears in the skin that could potentially harbor bacteria. I have already given all 3 whales tongue rubs! How awesome is that?! I would have never thought by my second day I would be patting a belugas tongue!
Today was an amazing feeding day! I was able to feed and visit with each of the whales throughout the day. I learned how to vary feedings to make it more fun for the whales. You can throw a couple fish into their mouths, place some fish into their mouths, throw fish in one by one, or holding a fist-full underwater and having them suck the fish in. Its like they're underwater hoovers. Today, I was also put in charge of semi-starting the training session and picking up my assigned whale. Each whale has been trained to go to an assigned shape after a training/feeding session has been started. Its sooo awesome to see how these whales are getting used to me being around and beginning to trust me a little more each day. They all have different personalities that I am starting to pick up on! Also today, during one of the feeding sessions I was dive bombed by a sea gull. I had dropped a fish onto the ground and that dang seagull spotted it and moved in for the kill scaring both poor Naku and myself!
One week has gone by already and each day seems to get better and better! And before I know it I'll be able to start doing behaviors myself! Its time to call it a night and wrap up this blog premiere!
Do orbs like herring and squid, too?
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you're having a lot of fun at work (what a novel concept!). Do you have a lot of field trips coming through?
Yay, thanks for starting a blog! This will be a lot of fun to read through. Sounds like you are really enjoying the new job so far!
ReplyDeleteHi Alyssa it's Michelle your waitress from the salad bowl:) your dad sent me your blog I hope that's ok. Jordan my little boy asked about you the otherday he was wondering how you liked your job. I showed him the pic of the whale he thought it was really cool. Hope all is going well for you and I look forward to seeing new pics.
ReplyDeletemmmm yummy squid! What about shrimpies?
ReplyDelete