UPDATE Dec. 22: Shedd Aquarium is deeply saddened to announce the loss of the beluga whale calf born Sunday afternoon to 20-year-old Naya. Puiji’s calf, born on Monday, December 14, continues to progress well through his bonding and nursing milestones. Read more.
At 2:25 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 20, one of Shedd Aquarium’s beluga whales, Naya, successfully gave birth to a male calf, with physical assistance from Shedd’s animal health and animal care experts. It is the first time a beluga whale calf has been successfully birthed with human assistance at Shedd, and only the fourth known in the zoo and aquarium community.
This assisted birth put all of our research, knowledge and experience of beluga births to the test, and we are pleased at the successful outcome. Without our physical intervention, this calf might not be with us today. Animal care is our top priority at Shedd and once again our expert animal care and animal health staff proved our commitment to do whatever it takes in providing the best care for our amazing animals. I’m extremely proud of our team.
This is the second successful beluga birth within a week at Shedd, as Puiji successfully gave birth to a male calf last Monday. Over the past 24-hours, Shedd animal care and animal health experts have been closely monitoring both mom and calf, along with Puiji and her calf.
The newborn calf was separated briefly from Naya for observations, but has been reunited with her this morning. There are still several milestones the calf must reach in its first days and months. Because of the unique nature of the birth and the milestones ahead, we continue to remain cautiously optimistic as the next few days are extremely critical in the calf’s life. Now that mom and calf are together again, we are watching closely for bonding and nursing to take place. We are doing everything possible to care for both calf and mom.
During a physical, our animal health staff determined the calf is a male, is 5’6” in length, and weighs 152 pounds.
Naya and calf, along with Puiji and her newborn calf, are currently off exhibit where they will continue to receive the very best care. In addition, the majority of the beluga whales are currently off exhibit, except for those appearing in Shedd’s newest marine mammal show, Fantasea.
Stay tuned for updates on both of Shedd’s newest beluga whales.
Posted by Ken Ramirez, animal collections and training
Hurray for the new baby. I wonder are all whales born tail first?
Posted by: SUE | December 21, 2009 at 03:27 PM
Looking forward to the many Naya's & Puiji's beluga baby boys' birthdays ahead. Betcha there'll be lots of BUBBLES!
Absolutely stunning!...the high level of expertise shown by Shedd. Thank you for these very special Christmas-time births.
:>)
Audrey
Posted by: Audrey Fischer | December 21, 2009 at 03:30 PM
SUE, Puiji's calf--born last week--was born head first, which is rare as beluga whale calves are generally born tail (fluke) first, like Naya's calf.
Posted by: Jay Geneske, web editor | December 21, 2009 at 03:36 PM
Yes!! Now I can stop biting my nails when I go to sleep wondering when the calves will be born! Congrats to Puiji, Naya, Naluark, and Bella. Knowing that the two births were successful will be a LOT better for my concience.
Posted by: Joe D. | December 21, 2009 at 05:20 PM
What interventions were required?
Posted by: Diane | December 21, 2009 at 05:35 PM
When are the kids going to have their photos taken with Santa?
Posted by: Mojopo | December 21, 2009 at 05:57 PM
Yeah baby belugas! I searched my email for 'beluga' and found emails from September 2006, September 2007, and now two in September 2009. Shedd is wonderful for its success in caring for these great animals.
Posted by: Jon | December 21, 2009 at 06:17 PM
How wonderful that there are two new baby belugas. Congrats to the the Shedd dedicated staff who do a super job. Look forward to future updates on the babies. Thank you for sharing these special events with us. Mary
Posted by: Mary Dorgan | December 21, 2009 at 06:58 PM
Good job Shedd, with Naya's & Puiji's . looking forward to helping too , Happy Holidays !!!
Posted by: Antonio Velez | December 21, 2009 at 07:33 PM
congratulations!!!!!!! you are the best staff. we love you guys. say hi to the babys. from me and my sister Nicole And ALEX.
Posted by: alex miranda | December 21, 2009 at 08:40 PM
Any idea when the new beluga calves will be on display? I used to live in Chicago and plan to visit the Shedd during the week after Christmas...
Posted by: Dean | December 21, 2009 at 08:51 PM
Stay tuned to our website for more details on the births, updates on their progress, and when the public can view the calves. In the meantime, you can see Shedd's beluga whales in "Fantasea," the new aquatic show.
Posted by: Jay Geneske, web editor | December 22, 2009 at 10:52 AM
We are very excited, and can't wait to meet the new calves. Eleanor and Anne Palmer 5 years old from Lincoln Square
Posted by: Eileen Palmer | December 22, 2009 at 02:16 PM
Deeply saddened with the loss of Naya's calf. I have no doubt every effort was made to save the calf. A sad day.
Posted by: Bob scott | December 22, 2009 at 07:56 PM
I cant believe there are 2 new beluga calves!!! I live in canada and I just saw the videos and I LOVE THEM!!! EEEKKKK!!!
Posted by: faith | December 22, 2009 at 11:14 PM
tanks 2 send me the expirence new born baby beuga!!!
Posted by: luis | December 23, 2009 at 11:27 AM
wow I like the news.I love all your animals but I heard he died I feel sad.
Posted by: Sebastian | December 23, 2009 at 12:10 PM
What interventions were required with the second birth? can we have more details on what is thought to have gone wrong? how is Naya holding up?
Posted by: Denise | December 23, 2009 at 11:05 PM
uhgggg i think im gonna cry
Posted by: Kellie | December 28, 2009 at 11:19 PM
WOW! I love the little thing! But did they HAVE to show is comeing out?
Posted by: Kathleen | January 20, 2010 at 08:05 AM
What happened that needed intervention for Naya? Was the calf stuck?
I'm sorry to hear about the loss but I'm glad Puiji is sharing her baby with Naya.
Posted by: Alyssa | January 27, 2010 at 12:35 AM