Hello, beautiful!

Meet Inuk, upclose and personal.

Inuk is the Mystic Aquarium's male Beluga whale. He is an amazing creature who shows a great deal of curiosity and intelligence. When the crowds are thin at the Aquarium and there are only a few people in front of the glass he will sometimes stay and watch those people closely. Especially children who are more calm.

Some people ask if whales have ears at the aquarium...here you can see the small opening behind the eye, that's Inuk's ear.

Status: Vulnerable, growing risk; mostly from pollution of native waters but also hunting.

IUCN Redlist: Vulnerable
Cook Inlet Alaska Population: Critically Endangered.

CITES: Appendix 2

Photo & text: eclectic echoes

(via benhästen)