Delilah the Whale, a North Atlantic right whale, was first observed in the Bay of Fundy in 1981. Ten years later, she was killed in the Grand Manan Basin after a fatal collision with a large vessel. She was survived by her calf, Calvin, 8 months old at the time of Delilah’s death.
After a group led by Dr. Moira Brown determined her cause of death and after years of advocacy, the local shipping lane was moved 4 nautical miles east around the right whale habitat to reduce the risk of further collisions. It was considered an incredible conservation effort at the time.
To commemorate Delilah and provide an educational resource, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) created a full-scale model of her, stretching an immense 45 feet. Her skeleton was preserved and assembled at the Hall of Great Whales in the New Brunswick Museum.
In 2022, Delilah’s model was moved to St. Andrews, under the care of the Huntsman Marine Science Centre, as an impressive display at their Fundy Discovery Aquarium. Now residing in the Anderson Gallery, she watches over excited children and adults as they enter the aquarium. Below her are education displays telling her story.
Fans of Delilah can now take home a souvenir in true St. Andrews fashion. The town has been minting trade coins since 1976, making its run the longest consecutive streak of creating trade coins in Canada. In 2025, St. Andrews decided to honor Delilah, as well as the education and conservation work being done at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre and Fundy Discovery Aquarium, by minting a trade coin showing her swimming in the Bay of Fundy.
Available at shops around town, they can be kept as souvenirs or used for their $5 face value. Since they cost $6, most people keep them as souvenirs. There is now also a $75 silver version available.
