We visited the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park.  I wanted to go because they have a large collection of jellyfish, which are difficult to grow in captivity.  I am at once fascinated and repulsed by jellyfish, and don’t think there is a word in English which captures that feeling adequately.  Maybe in German?  Some people feel it when they look at a series of small holes, called trypophobia.  Look up “trypophobia triggers” to see images of mostly computer generated material meant to make you queasy.  It’s a feeling deep in your stomach even though you know it’s nonsense.  While I have been stung by jellyfish, it was a very minor event.  Most jellyfish are harmless.

The Vancouver Aquarium specializes in breeding them.  They even have a person whose sole job it is to care for these … aliens …  It’s a niche job.

Mom loved the exhibit, and she took a lot video.  They move and ungulate so strangely, it is hypnotic to watch.  Later, we moved outside to witness the seal feeding.  It was a special moment.

These seals are rescues.  Many suffered head injuries from boating accidents, which caused some type of vision issue or physical injury and prevented them from living in the wild.    

Despite their injuries, the captive seals had progeny which were healthy and were released into the wild.  While many of these seals couldn’t see well, their hearing was still intact.  A volunteer organization, which rescues injured marine mammals, is responsible for nurturing these graceful creatures back to health or providing a home if they cannot return to the wild.

I like aquariums, and I have come to realize I just enjoy being around animals that are not Homo sapiens.  Maybe not fish, but mammals are dynamic and soulful with more complex inner lives than we humans understand.  I feel a kinship with other mammals, like I understand — on some level — their struggles.  In the previous series in Botswana I used the alien tourist metaphor:  Why would an alien visit Earth?  Its animal life is another solid reason.  While I am not certain zoos are the best places to fully appreciate our fellow mammals, I appreciate those who work to save them from harm usually caused by us.  I wish zoos worked better in inspiring Conservation in the larger population, but the data suggests they really don’t. They do, however, provide critical research towards a better understanding animal behavior and habitats.  

Today we drive to Whistler.