Baby beluga whale at Vancouver Aquarium

A young beluga whale gave birth to her first baby and was shown some parenting skills by her mother.

When you’re a first-time mom, it’s always a relief to know you have help from someone who’s been there.

This is no less important, apparently, when you’re a 12-year-old marine mammal.

Qila, a beluga whale who gave birth to a healthy female calf at the Vancouver Aquarium Tuesday, got some helpful pointers from her own mother, Aurora, without even having to ask.

“Grandma came to the rescue,” said the aquarium’s staff veterinarian, Martin Haulena. “She just went right for the calf and took her on her back and started riding her around … and just showed Qila what to do.”

Afterwards, Haulena said, Qila took over and the two have been bonding ever since. “She’s a natural mom.”