Shedd Aquarium Shares Milestones Met by Baby Boy Beluga

Shedd Aquarium is sharing new updates on the aquarium’s first beluga calf in over four years. After joining the pod this past July, the newest arrival was closely monitored and received expert care behind the scenes with caretakers and veterinarians. Now, the six-month-old whale is eating solid fish, swimming in new spaces, forging relationships with the animal care team and meeting members of the pod.

Through regular check-ups to track progress and development of the young whale, the animal care team confirmed that the calf is a boy. He’s grown nearly three times his size since birth, which is an important marker since calves need to build blubber and fat reserves to insulate them from icy water temperatures through which belugas swim. The aquarium also has the results from genetic tests, which confirmed that Beethoven, the oldest male beluga at Shedd who can be identified by the ruffled edge of his tail, is the father of the calf. Beluga fathers have no parental role or attachment to their calves, and it will be several months until Beethoven and the calf are introduced.

Currently, the newest member of the beluga pod has been spending his time with the second youngest beluga at Shedd – Atlas. As he continues to grow and progress, he will be introduced to more whales and develop deeper social connections. While he continues to curiously explore new spaces, there is occasionally a chance to catch a glimpse of him on exhibit as a guest of the aquarium. Guests can identify the young whale as the smallest in size and darkest in color compared to the rest of the pod.

As he has reached several important milestones, it is time to name the newest whale. Shedd is sharing a special, exclusive opportunity for members of the aquarium to vote on a list of names provided by the animal care team.

Names provided by caretakers at Shedd Aquarium include:

• Campbell: for the Campbell Creek Estuary Park also in Anchorage where belugas have been known to swim and feed on spawning salmon there
• Kincaid: for a park around Anchorage, Alaska that is home to two beluga observation stations for the annual “Belugas Count!” event that looks for endangered Cook Inlet whales
• Leucas: for the scientific name of beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas)
• Opus: for a musical composition or set of compositions usually numbered in the order of its issue, in honor of his father Beethoven and referencing belugas being the “canaries of the sea” with their unique vocalizations

Current and new members will receive exclusive access to a virtual poll that ends Thursday, Feb. 27. These Shedd supporters will be first to know the results one week later.

BACKGROUND: Shedd Aquarium, a leader in animal care, welcomed a beluga calf on July 24 to 35-year-old mother, Naya. Much of what we know about beluga whale gestation and birth has come from the small handful of accredited zoos and aquariums that care for this species. Because beluga births are rarely seen in the wild, data and observations collected from births at aquariums like Shedd provide invaluable insights for scientists and conservationists alike.

VISUALS: Find high-resolution photos and b-roll video here: https://personal.filesanywhere.com/guest/fs?v=8e70638c5f6371a99c68&C=50.
Photo Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez
Video Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium/Sam Cejtin