(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The staff at the Shedd Aquarium are celebrating the arrival of a new resident.
While guests won’t be able to see them yet, the aquarium has welcomed a new beluga whale calf.
Naya, the 35-year-old mother, gave birth to the calf around 6 p.m. on Wednesday. Shortly after being born underwater, the calf took its first breath at the surface.
The calf is estimated to be 5 feet long and 105 pounds. More information about the calf, including its sex and father will be confirmed at a later date.
Veterinary staff have been observing the mother and baby, and have seen the mother guiding the baby around the habitat and supporting it as it goes up to get air.
“While it’s still very early, we are encouraged by how strong and spirited this calf seems to be,” said Charles Jacobsma, director of animal behavior and training at Shedd Aquarium, in a press release.
“Over the next several weeks, our animal care team will be observing Naya and the calf, collecting data and doing everything they can to make sure they both have all the support they need.”
The Shedd’s Secluded Bay habitat will remain closed while staff continue to monitor the calf to ensure it is hitting key milestones and adjusting to its home.
The aquarium also says that since observations of beluga whale births in the wild are rare, births at zoos and aquariums provide an opportunity to study beluga whale gestation.
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