A beluga calf was born at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, marking a significant milestone for the institution. The newborn, currently unnamed, is the first beluga calf born at Shedd in four years. The mother, a 35-year-old beluga named Naya, gave birth under the careful supervision of the aquarium’s animal care team. During the birth, divers were present in the water to ensure a safe delivery. Another female beluga, Bella, assisted the newborn in reaching the surface before Naya took over maternal duties. Since 1991, Shedd has observed 15 beluga births, contributing to research on beluga development and behavior. The staff emphasized the importance of each birth, as belugas in the wild inhabit remote Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, making direct observation challenging.

Now seven months old, the calf is actively integrating with Shedd’s pod of eight belugas. Animal behavior experts have noted that the calf exhibits curiosity and vocalization patterns similar to those of a human toddler learning to speak. The calf has not yet developed teeth but has started consuming small fish such as herring. Researchers continue to monitor the young whale’s health and progress through regular veterinary assessments, including ultrasounds. The public is participating in selecting a name for the calf through an aquarium-led voting initiative. Experts suggest that belugas at Shedd can grow up to 14 feet (4.26 meters) in length and weigh over 2,000 pounds (900 kilograms). Many belugas born at the aquarium are later transferred to other accredited institutions. The sensitivity of beluga tongues, which aids in detecting prey, remains a unique aspect of their biology, as observed by Shedd’s animal care specialists.