McChord crews to transport dolphins Nov 22, 2009
The Marine Mammal Program uses bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions and beluga whales for various purposes, including mine hunting, protection of military bases and recovery of sunken objects. A full-time staff of veterinarians cares for the animals, which the Navy says "does not now train, nor has it ever trained" for any kind of offensive operations. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Latest Lifestyle headlines » Nov 19, 2009
The Georgia Aquarium announced late Monday that one of the three beluga whales it moved temporarily to Sea World San Antonio in early October as a precaution during construction died suddenly on Saturday. The exact cause of death of Nico, who was estimated to be more than 25 years old, was inconclusive after the initial gross necropsy, or animal autopsy, conducted by veterinarians and other animal health specialists in Texas. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
Aquarium's male beluga dies in Texas Nov 7, 2009
The Georgia Aquarium announced late Monday that one of the three beluga whales it moved temporarily to Sea World San Antonio in early October as a precaution during construction died suddenly on Saturday ... The aquarium moved Nico, a male, and female beluga whales Maris and Natasha to Texas while construction at the downtown Atlanta attraction accelerated on a major expansion for a dolphin exhibit that will open in late 2010 ... The aquarium has been cautious about the health of its beluga... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
Georgia Aquarium beluga whale dies Nov 3, 2009
The beluga whales have been a major attraction at the Georgia Aquarium since it opened in 2004 ... Nico died at Sea World in San Antonio, where he and two other beluga whales had been moved temporarily while the Georgia Aquarium is undergoing renovation ... Beluga whales or white whales, whose name is derived from a Russian word meaning white, typically live in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions including Canada, Russia, Greenland and the U.S. state of Alaska. (CNN)
Environmental group to sue over beluga whales Oct 31, 2009
ANCHORAGE - An environmental group that has pressed the federal government to provide maximum protection for Cook Inlet beluga whales said Thursday it intends to sue ... ANCHORAGE - An environmental group that has pressed the federal government to provide maximum protection for Cook Inlet beluga whales said Thursday it intends to sue. (Juneau Empire)
In Churchill, Manitoba, snorkel with belugas Oct 26, 2009
White as newly fallen snow, with big, bulbous heads that make them look like a cross between a killer whale and Casper the Friendly Ghost, beluga whales live mostly in the high arctic latitudes ... From mid-July to mid-August, 3,000 beluga whales typically gather in the Churchill River estuary to give birth and feed on spawning capelin fish ... Before we head out onto the water, a few words are in order about beluga whales. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Dead beluga found in Alaska waters was pregnant Oct 11, 2009
A government study found that a group of endangered beluga whales in Alaska is declining, raising concern that bolstered protection for the animals is not coming quickly enough. The downward trend comes after two years where numbers for the Cook Inlet belugas appeared to have stabilized. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Alaskan beluga whale group declining Oct 8, 2009
Alaska's Cook Inlet beluga whales in decline ... Beluga whales like this one are found in various waters off Alaska ... ANCHORAGE, Alaska - A government study found that a group of endangered beluga whales in Alaska is declining, raising concern that bolstered protection for the animals is not coming quickly enough. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Cook Inlet belugas decline again after two steady years Oct 7, 2009
A government study found that a group of endangered beluga whales in Alaska is declining, raising concern that bolstered protection for the animals is not coming quickly enough. Story tools. (Anchorage Daily News)
Ga. Aquarium Animals Take A "Whale" Of a Trip Oct 7, 2009
ATLANTA (AP) -- Expansion of a dolphin exhibit has led Georgia Aquarium officials to ship their three beluga whales to Texas for a few months. Aquarium spokeswoman Meghann Gibbons says the whales were shipped to Sea World San Antonio, Texas on Sunday. (13WMAZ.com, GA)
Beluga whales sent to Texas Oct 6, 2009
Because of construction noise from its dolphin exhibit expansion, the Georgia Aquarium has temporarily sent its three beluga whales packing. Rich Addicks, AJC file Georgia Aquarium's beluga whales, females Maris and Natasha and male Nico, will stay in Texas during construction ... The aquarium has been extra cautious about the health of its beluga whales since two died there in 2007, Gasper due to bone disease and Marina from apparent complications of age. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Understand the Arctic before exploiting it Sep 21, 2009
Polar bears, walrus and beluga whales all flourish in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas animals that live only in the Arctic and have captured the imagination of people around the world. Beyond these iconic mammals, America's Arctic waters are home to millions of seabirds, to myriad creatures that are absolutely dependent on sea ice and to dozens of species that have been discovered only within the past few years. (Herald Online, SC -- Opinion)
Medfield Girl Scouts go down to Georgia Sep 9, 2009
Beluga Whales and hundreds of tropical fish from the Pacific Coral Reefs were both mesmerizing. The World of Coca-Cola gave the girls some insight into the global history and marketing of Coke. (Medfield Press, MA)
Polar Bear Facts Ursus maritimus Aug 29, 2009
They have also been known to kill young beluga whales or walruses and often will scavenge at carcasses of whales and walruses. Polar bears will either swim in search of food or ambush seals at breathing holes when they come up for air. (Suite101.com)
Cancer in Wildlife May Signal Toxic Dangers Aug 28, 2009
CANCEROUS SEAS: Beluga whales have succumbed to intestinal cancers caused by environmental pollutants in their waterways ... Thirty years ago, a Canadian marine biologist noticed something mysterious was happening to beluga whales in the St. Lawrence Estuary. (Scientific American)
Stranded belugas swim free Aug 25, 2009
A group of endangered beluga whales is stranded in the mud near Anchorage during an abnormally low t 00003E62 ide ... About 20 beluga whales that became stranded in mud during a low tide over the weekend have apparently freed themselves, bringing relief to biologists who have been closely monitoring their plight ... Adult male beluga whales are typically up to 15 feet long and weigh 3,000 pounds, exhibiting several vocalizations including squeaks and whistles. (Anchorage Daily News)
Knik bridge lawsuit settled; project is back in the plan Aug 19, 2009
The toll authority is still trying to figure out ways to finance it, and the federal government is deliberating on what parts of Knik Arm might be critical habitat for Cook Inlet's beluga whales, which are listed as an endangered species. The habitat decision could affect the bridge's design and cost. (Anchorage Daily News)
2Whale Saves Drowning Diver, Pulls Her to Surface» Jul 31, 2009
Competitors had to sink to the bottom of an aquarium's 20-foot arctic pool and stay there for as long as possible with the beluga whales at Polar Land in Harbin, north east China. But when Yun, 26, tried to head to the surface she struggled to move her legs. (Fox News)
Persistence pays off for this volunteer Jul 28, 2009
His favorites are the coral reef exhibit and the Arctic coast, which is home to the Beluga whales. The attraction to this kind of volunteer work for Martin is the idea that he keeps getting better and better at something. (Westerly Sun, RI)
Orcas, Seagulls & Penguins ... Oh My Jul 18, 2009
The exhibit features a Polar Play Zone for kids, the Grainger Beluga Encounter Habitat, a new Marine Mammal Show and Amphitheater, Pacific White-Sided Dolphins, Beluga Whales, Penguins, Sea Lions, Sea Otters and more. Visit for more information. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
LETTERS: NCT, July 17, 2009 Jul 17, 2009
The organic law of a nation or state; its constitution. "Clause 18 of the same Article gives power to Congress "to make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof. (North County Times)
Wildlife faces cancer threat Jun 26, 2009
For example, beluga whales in the St. Lawrence River system have an extraordinarily high rate of intestinal cancer - it is their second leading cause of death ... The compounds are suspected carcin 00004000 ogens for beluga whales as well. (India Times)
Mercury in Mackenzie River delta dramatically higher than previously believed Jun 17, 2009
"This leaves northern communities vulnerable, because a large part of their diet is Arctic fish species and Beluga whales." Gradyon says existing studies already show Beluga whales in the western Arctic have higher mercury levels in their flesh than Belugas in the eastern Arctic. The Mackenzie River empties in the Beaufort Sea at the western edge of the Northwest Territories. (EurekAlert!)
Chicken Squawk Studied At UConn Jun 6, 2009
His interest in chickens grew out of a collaborative study participated in called The Dr. Doolittle Project, which examined the vocalizations of tigers, elephants, beluga whales, chickens and dogs. In a pen in UConn's chicken house, Otu-Nyarko has spent hundreds of hours recording the birds. (FOX61, CT)
Blue whales found near NY, off their usual path May 29, 2009
WE SEE WHALES EVERY TIME WE"RE FISHING SAVE MONEY DO BOTH SAME TIME. Experience a kayak, snorkel or boat tour with beluga whales in the Churchill River. Featured So much for carefree college days. Most students are stressed.First Lady makes mark, shakes up Beltway culture. Yahoo!Updates to see what your Connections are up to on Yahoo! News. New User? to see what your Connections are up to on Yahoo! News. New User? Today buzzed up: 21 seconds ago 2009-05-29T03:11:25-07:00 buzzed up: 22 seconds... (Yahoo News)
Easement will protect the Chuitna River May 19, 2009
As stewards of this land, the Tebughna people also recognize what others don't fully understand: The fate of the Cook Inlet beluga whale is intimately intertwined with the health of Cook Inlet's king salmon, which provides critical nutrients necessary for the survival of nursing beluga whales and their calves ... The Chuitna Conservation Easement will promote the health of salmon stocks, provide kings for the important recovery of Cook Inlet's beluga whales and maintain the river in its wild... (Anchorage Daily News)
Get fired up in Valencia May 16, 2009
With two shark tunnels, beluga whales, walruses and thousands of fish it should sate anyone looking for a glimpse of the life aquatic. The Mediterranean Sea itself is not far away, and public transport in Valencia is a convenient way to get around town when things get out of comfortable walking distance. (CNN -- Travel)
#58 MYSTIC, CONNECTICUT May 15, 2009
Kids will adore the sea lions and penguins, while grown-ups can sip "Belugatinis" next to the three resident Beluga whales or take a cruise on the 100-year-old steamboat Sabino. In Downtown Mystic, a stop at Mystic Pizza (made famous by the Julia Roberts film) is obligatory, if only for a photo-op (56 W. Main St.; [860] 536-3700). (New York Post -- Entertainment)
Moose dies at school; students disciplined Apr 28, 2009
Karen wrote on Apr 22, 2009 11:52 AM:" Regarding what Berry wrote on Apr 22, 2009 11:27 AM:Berry, it seems like you're "projecting" some sort of political animosity of your own.I suppose if you can do it, so can I.I was going to suggest that, with hearing about Palin's attitude towards endangered species like polar bears, beluga whales, Kittlitzs murrelets, wolves and bears, these children's stupidity towards the moose reflects their parents' stupidity, which reflects the Palin policies of... (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Dive Into Top 10 U.S. Aquariums Apr 18, 2009
Relatively small but ambitious, Mystic Aquarium ranges over much of the earth, displaying penguins, cownose rays, sea lions, beluga whales, and, from the Amazon rain forest, piranhas ... But the Arctic Canada exhibit shows off the true stars: long, lean, ghost-white beluga whales. (KERO 23, CA)
NOAA takes steps to designate beluga habitat Apr 18, 2009
ANCHORAGE - A federal agency is taking steps to designate critical habitat for beluga whales off Anchorage, but a conservation group pushing for protection says the process is too slow ... ANCHORAGE - A federal agency is taking steps to designate critical habitat for beluga whales off Anchorage, but a conservation group pushing for protection says the process is too slow. (Juneau Empire)
Spring break crowds boost Atlanta tourist attractions Apr 9, 2009
A crowd gathers to watch the beluga whales swim at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta in this file photo. BUSINESS Latest Headlines. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
Medfield Public Library has discount museum passes Apr 5, 2009
to check out some Beluga Whales at the Mystic Aquarium or stay local with some electric eels at the New England aquarium. Before you head out, be sure to get museum passes from the Medfield Public Library for ticket discounts. (Medfield Press, MA)
Jean-Michel Cousteau and the Ocean Adventures Team Explore the Human Connection to Beluga and Orca Whales Mar 25, 2009
Combining science and discovery with expert storytelling and astonishing HD footage, the new specials premiere nationally with the one-hour "Sea Ghosts" (beluga whales), airing April 8 at 8 pm and the two-hour "Call of the Killer Whale" (orcas), airing on Earth Day, April 22 at 8pm ... Cousteau also visits frigid Arctic and Antarctic waters to view first-hand how beluga whales--whose Cook Inlet population were added to the list of endangered species in October 2008--are now being protected in... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Reading the North Mar 16, 2009
Excerpt: "Ghostly echoes on colding nights. Aurora Borealis igniting skies. Late sunrise breaching Chugiak heights. Sunsets flaming the Sleeping Lady. Aurora Borealis. Porpoises bounding Prince William Sound. Glaciers cleaving cloud-shrouded peaks. Tides reprising Turnagain arm. Dahl Sheep bleaching Gunsight Pass. Glaciers cleaving. Beluga whales framing office windows. Ice fog stealing downtown streets. Denali claiming rare clear days. The blink of glistening autumn. Ice fog stealing. Alaska.... (Anchorage Daily News)
First Right Whale Sedation Enables Disentanglement Effort Mar 13, 2009
Our prior experience with using these drugs safely in dolphins, beluga whales, killer whales and other species gave us the initial levels of sedatives to start with, said Mike Walsh a veterinarian and associate director of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine s Aquatic Animal Health program. Our first attempts with sedatives in a previous animal were not as promising as hoped so we moved on to another sedative combination that has helped clinicians to get access to animals... (Science Daily)
Mayoral hopefuls tackle taxes, bonds and belugas Mar 10, 2009
Half -- Sullivan, Honeman and Monegan -- said they agree with the chamber that an endangered species listing for Cook Inlet's beluga whales is a bad idea. Monegan and Honeman oppose a $1. (Anchorage Daily News)
Palin pick 2nd female Supreme Court judge Mar 5, 2009
The group currently is on the opposite side of Palin over the listing of Cook Inlet beluga whales as endangered. Christen, 47, attended colleges in England, Switzerland and China before graduating from the University of Washington with a bachelor's in international studies. (Anchorage Daily News)
Obama shelves Bush species rule Mar 4, 2009
"Only about 400 North Atlantic right whales, 350 Cook Inlet beluga whales and 1200 Hawaiian monk seals remain, and there is a severe decline in numbers of nesting leatherbacks in the Pacific.". Click for related content. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Mercury pollution treaty proposed Feb 21, 2009
" American position The key factor enabling ministers to agree a way forward has been the willingness of the new US Obama administration to buy into a treaty. In his address to the council on Monday, US delegate Daniel Reifsnyder, said mercury was the "most important global chemical issue facing us today", and required "immediate action". He said that a half of all mercury deposition within the US now came from sources outside its borders, and that only international coordination could address... (BBC News -- Science)
Aquarium diver swallows tiny camera as a test Feb 21, 2009
Beluga whales, for instance, have three. Bossart was pleased with the initial results. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
Endangered Species Act listings not based on science; Alaska opposition justified Feb 20, 2009
Gov. Sarah Palin and the Legislature were criticized for opposing the Endangered Species Act (ESA) listings of beluga whales in Cook Inlet and polar bears. In these articles, ESA advocates imply the listings are based on definitive science. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Stimulus funds must be taken up quickly Feb 16, 2009
Bob Shavelson, head of the conservation group Cook Inletkeeper, has written to Congressional leaders asking them to bar the port project from stimulus money until there's a better showing of the need for the expansion, and until questions about its effects on salmon and beluga whales have been resolved. ADVERTISEMENT. (Anchorage Daily News)
Endangered Species Act is good law that works in Alaska Feb 12, 2009
In January, Gov. Sarah Palin announced the state would challenge the listing of the Cook Inlet population of beluga whales under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) ... In fact, the listing of beluga whales was supported by the best available science, strong consensus among marine mammal scientists, and recommendations by the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission ... These predictions by federal scientists represent alarmingly high likelihoods of impending extinction for this population of beluga whales. (Anchorage Daily News)
Second Knik Arm bridge report puts cost at $686 million Feb 11, 2009
They range from unpredictable subsurface conditions like huge boulders that could affect pile driving to delays caused by the need to adapt construction work to the presence of Cook Inlet beluga whales, which were listed as endangered last year. Some of those risks are already included in the estimate. (Anchorage Daily News)
Whales a highlight of aquarium yoga class Feb 10, 2009
The yoga classes are held on Sunday nights in front of the tank where the aquarium's three beluga whales live ... "The beluga whales are so slow and so smooth in their movements, which is indeed what this is about -- slow movements of the body," said Todd DeLaune, one of the instructors of the weekly sessions. (CNN)
Scientists catalog Cook Inlet belugas Feb 9, 2009
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Researchers are individually cataloguing Cook Inlet's endangered beluga whales through photographs that show the animals' distinctive marks. The photos document scars, shading and other distinguishing features. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Yoga near whales? The fun starts Sunday Feb 8, 2009
Beluga whales are known for their underwater movements but soon they will have some human competition in the grace department at the Georgia Aquarium. The downtown Atlanta attraction, which has worked to attract visitors by offering everything from a manta ray to a Titanic Aquatic exhibit during the past six months, will begin hosting yoga classes Sunday. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
Georgia Aquarium Feb 8, 2009
It also features a range of species from beluga whales, which are found in the Arctic region, to catfish native to Georgia. While earning rave reviews, the aquarium has also weathered criticism for having some of its marquee attractions die. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
Japan offers lessons on stimulus spending Feb 8, 2009
Two decades of generous public works spending have showered this city of 61,000 mostly graying residents with a highway, a four-lane bypass, a university, a prison, a children's art museum, the Sun Village Hamada sports center, a bright red welcome center, a ski resort and an aquarium featuring three ring-blowing beluga whales. Nor is this remote port in western Japan unusual. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Low numbers lead to attraction markdowns Feb 8, 2009
Despite the economic downturn, "we still have to do stuff with our kids," Barrow said as she watched the beluga whales do flips and turns. "I think with the economy, attractions are going to have to offer discounts unless they don't want business. People aren't going to go if prices go up.". (Florida Today)
Group is photo-identifying Inlet belugas Feb 8, 2009
Cook Inlet's few hundred endangered beluga whales are being identified, one by one, not through tagging, but by photographs that show their distinctive marks ... The purpose of the conference was to give people "a clearer picture in what is happening regarding the science and the research on beluga whales," said Karla Dutton, Alaska director of Defenders of Wildlife, which has backed controversial protections for the animals. (Anchorage Daily News)
