Can you use the word ‘cute’ to describe a newborn that is 205 pounds and adding 12 to 15 pounds a week?
Shedd’s new baby beluga, born Aug. 27 to mom Mauyak, will be on public display for the first time starting Oct. 26 and there’s no doubt the young whale is just plain adorable swimming alongside her mom.
The baby girl is the third whale born to Mauyak and is hitting all its developmental milestones, including shedding its slate-colored skin for the creamy white color that allows belugas to blend in with their icy background.
The curious calf also has recently started approaching Shedd’s trainers in the water for a tongue tickle or a rub on the head, Shedd reports.
Until now, the calf and her mom have been kept from public view while they bonded, but starting Friday at 11 a.m. the public will have a chance to see the new baby and mom in the Oceanarium.
If you go: Shedd Aquarium 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago (312) 939-2438 sheddaquarium.org
