Beluga whales from Canada meet habitat mates in successful “mixer”

MYSTIC, Conn. (WLNE) – Three beluga whales brought to Mystic Aquarium from Canada successfully met some of their tank mates Friday morning.

The unification came after a months-long acclimation process for the whales. All of the whales now swim together in the aquarium’s Arctic Coast habitat.

The whales were transported to Connecticut in May.

In a statement, Mystic Aquarium said prior to Friday’s meeting, “the belugas have been receiving continuous care from husbandry and veterinary staff in a separate pool within the habitat.” The whales were given time to acclimate and the other tank residents, Juno Kela, and Natasha, to get used to the idea of their new room mates.

“We are extremely pleased with this morning’s introduction and very encouraged by the success of this crucial first step in the forming of a cohesive social group,” said Dr. Allison Tuttle, Mystic Aquarium’s Senior Vice President of Zoological Operations. “Introductions of this nature can be somewhat unpredictable, as you never know how a particular animal will react, but today could not have gone better.”

Trainers at Mystic Aquarium are working with the whales so they can participate in conservation research.