Mystic Aquarium Invites You To Get In The Pool With Their Beluga Whale

By Becky Giantonio 

Mystic, CT - Ever wonder how aquarium staff care for beluga whales and get them to demonstrate their natural behaviors? Find out firsthand with a new, limited-time beluga meet and greet training program offered by Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration in collaboration with Shedd Aquarium. Throughout this spring break season, which runs until April 20, guests have the rare opportunity to get in the waters of the Arctic Coast exhibit to meet Shedd Aquarium’s beluga whales. For the first time on the East Coast, guests will get an up-close and personal opportunity to meet a beluga calf/juvenile. Both Miki (Mee-KEY), who turns 2 in August, and Bella, who turns 3 in July, still have their dark gray coloration, are smaller than the adult beluga whales, and can sometimes be seen nursing.

Shedd Aquarium’s seven beluga whales and four Pacific white-sided dolphins are “vacationing” at Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration while their home in Chicago undergoes renovations. While an official date of their return has not been announced, Shedd’s Oceanarium is scheduled to reopen on May 22.
 
“Having Shedd’s animals and staff here since September has provided us the amazing opportunity to share knowledge and learn from one another,” said Dr. Tracy Romano, senior vice president of research and zoological operations at Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, divisions of Sea Research Foundation, Inc. “One collaboration has been around our Beluga Encounter program. Our staff has worked closely with Shedd’s to begin the extensive training process required for this program.” 

Before getting into the water, participants will learn about the history and physiology of beluga whales. After getting into waterproof waders, they will get waist-deep in the water and participate in a 10- to 15-minute training session with one of Shedd Aquarium’s whales. Guests will be alongside Shedd’s trainers in the water as they carry out various husbandry behaviors – natural behaviors that allow staff to closely monitor animals’ health.

“Participants will get the rare opportunity to connect with our whales, especially the two young whales,  and gain a better understanding of the important work our trainers do to maintain the highest levels of animal care and enrichment,” said Ken Ramirez, senior vice president of animal collections and animal training at Shedd Aquarium.

The limited-time beluga meet and greet training sessions will occur twice a day through April 20, with a limit of four people per session. Cost is $79 plus aquarium admission per person. Participants must be at least five feet tall and 16 years of age. The training program takes place rain or shine. Spaces are limited. To make a reservation, call (860) 572-5955, ext. 520.

After Shedd’s animals return to Chicago later this spring, Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration will resume its popular Beluga Encounter program. To book a Beluga Encounter, call (860) 572-5955 ext. 520, or visit mysticaquarium.org for more information.

About Sea Research Foundation, Inc.
Mystic Aquarium, Institute for Exploration and Immersion Presents are divisions of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., a private, non-profit, charitable organization incorporated in the State of Connecticut. The mission of Sea Research is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through education, research and exploration.