These studies have measured how much energy whales get from eating different fishes. In the wild, resident killer whales rely upon the once abundant chinook salmon stocks for their food sources. As chinook salmon stocks decline, the whales spend more time catching fewer fishes, or must eat less nutritious prey. These Aquarium studies will draw a much better picture of the whales' dietary needs. The beluga whales and dolphin are all fed a nutritious diet of herring, squid and smelt, and a multivitamin tablet daily.
Food is flash-frozen to kill parasites and bacteria.
Whitewings, the Pacific white-sided dolphin, eats about 7 kg daily. The belugas eat between 13-18 kg per day, with Qila, the baby beluga, eating only about 3.6 kg daily. Seasonal fluctuations in amounts of food needed for energy occurs throughout the year, with summer showing a decrease in appetites. Diets are varied depending upon health situations, in order to provide the animals with the best nutrition possible. All rights reserved.