Video – It’s a Boy! Baby Beluga Born Despite Difficult Breech Birth

Despite a rough beginning, a beluga whale was born early Monday morning at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.

At approximately 11:30 P.M. Sunday evening, 23-year-old Puiji went into labor. Four hours later, the calf began to emerge, head first.  While breech births in belugas are not entirely rare, many breech babies die soon after birth because they are unable to reach the surface on their own or with help from their mothers.  Once it became apparent this would be a breech birth, four divers were placed in the water to assist baby to the surface to take his first breath, in case he needed assistance.

At 6:36 A.M. on Monday, December 14, 2009, a beluga calf was born.  The male weighed in at 162 pounds and measured just over 5 feet in length.   Puiji tried to keep the newborn swimming and breathing for several hours.  But unable to dive and nurse on his own and showing signs of stomach distress, officials intervened and administered antibiotics and some of mom’s milk. 

According to Ken Ramirez, Shedd’s senior vice president for animal collections, the seven hour breech birth probably caused an “unnatural curve” in the whale’s flukes, which may have hindered his ability to dive.   But on Tuesday morning, the calf was nursing on his own and seemed to overcome his physical impediment.  

Despite a difficult first day, the calf is making excellent progress and will continue to be closely monitored.  Both mom and baby were given physicals and both are reportedly in good condition. According to officials, the baby is bonding with mom and is nursing.   In order to give privacy to the whales, privacy panels currently surround the pool and walkway.

This marks the third time Puiji has given birth.  A photo gallery of mother and baby is available on the Chicago Tribune website.

Beluga Whales

The sociable solid-white whales are born gray and lighten as they age. According to the IUCN Red List, Beluga whales, Delphinapterus leucas, are considered Near Threatened. Overhunted for centuries, some populations have been completely wiped out in some areas. Pollution, commercial fishing, shipping accidents, climate change and oil, gas and hydroelectric development, also threaten the beluga whale.

Photo Beluga Whale and Calf at Vancouver Aquarium by Tony Fox