Three Beluga whale calves celebrated their first 100 days in S China

World
Europe

00:50

Three beluga whale calves celebrated their first 100 days at a breeding base under the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Zhuhai City, south China's Guangdong Province. The calves are all in good health.

Beluga whale, also known as the white whale, is a mammal with a relatively low reproductive rate. An adult beluga whale is usually pure white or whitish-grey, while calves are born grey.

Closeup of a beluga whale. /VCG Photo

It normally takes 14 to 15 months for a female beluga whale to give birth to one calf, and one to two years to nurse its babies. Coincidentally, three female Beluga whales gave birth within 13 days in December 2018. This is the first time that three Beluga whales were born into captivity in such a short time.

Breeders of Chimelong base recorded data for the female Beluga whales and their calves to ensure maternal recovery after giving birth.

Currently, the beluga whale is under second-class state protection in China.

(Cover photo via VCG.)

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com)