Beguiling Belugas

About a year ago I applied for a job at Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Connecticut.  I didn't get the job, but one of the perks of even going for an interview was that I got to spend some FREE time at the Aquarium.  What an opportunity to come nose to nose with a beluga whale and not get wet!  Mystic Aquarium has a great tank for the belugas where you can go down a ramp and watch them swimming underwater.

Source:  Wikipedia

Belugas are white whales, and on the small size for a whale at around 16 feet long, although males are bigger than females.  They are also known as the sea canary because of its high pitched vocalizations. Calves are born gray and turn white as they get older.  Like dolphins, they use echolocation to navigate and find food.

Belugas are strictly an Arctic and sub-Arctic species, preferring shallow coastal ocean waters, but can dive to depths of 1,000 feet or more.  They are adapted for both ocean dwelling and freshwater habitat, spending summers in warmer river estuaries.  They can swim both forward and backward and their smaller size makes them highly maneuverable.

Photo: AFP/Getty  Source:  Telegraph

Belugas are bottom feeders, and eat octopus, fish, crabs, and snails.  Both killer whales and polar bears prey on belugas.  And belugas have been hunted for their meat, blubber and skin for centuries.  It is believed that the world population of belugas is between 60,000 to 100,000.  Belugas can live up to 50 years of age, although 25 to 30 years is more likely in the wild.  Belugas are protected by the Endangered Species Act, and a population of about 300 of Alaska's Cook Inlet subspecies is considered critically endangered.

Like dolphins, belugas are very social and may travel in groups of up to 100 individuals.  They also may change groups from time to time.  We definitely need to save these delightful creatures from extinction, if only just to see them smile.

Source:  ithou.org

For a great video on beluga communication, click here.