Nico and Gasper, two male beluga whales, arrived safely at the Georgia Aquarium on October 17, 2005. They came from the LaFeria de Chapultepec amusement park, a privately operated facility, in Mexico City. They lived underneath a wooden rollercoaster in a stressful and unhealthy situation. They were originally acquired by previous owners of LaFeria de Chapultepec and, when the park sold, the new owners recognized the habitat was not adequate to maintain these animals. The new owners actively worked with us to obtain the necessary permits to export them to the United States. They were transported by Georgia Aquarium staff in specially designed transport units on board a Boeing 767 aircraft donated by UPS that flew direct from Mexico City to Atlanta. In their new home at the Georgia Aquarium, Nico and Gasper enjoyed an 800,000 gallon state-of-the-art habitat designed to simulate their natural environment and were under the care of one of the world’s best veterinary staffs.

Nico is a male, approximately 17 years old and around 12 feet long. He is now being maintained with three female belugas, who are on a breeding loan from the New York Aquarium.

Gasper, also a 17-year-old male about 12 feet long, arrived at the Georgia Aquarium with chronic skin lesions that were in various stages of healing. We do not know what originally caused them. In early 2006, Gasper was diagnosed with osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone. During the later part of 2006, Gasper’s health further deteriorated. This is believed to be the result of his weakened immune system due to years of chronic illness, prior to arriving at the Georgia Aquarium. Laboratories, veterinarians and other animal and human health specialists from across the country were engaged to assist with this complicated case. However, Gasper’s physical condition and medical test results declined rapidly. With Gasper’s failing health and quality of life in mind, the Georgia Aquarium’s veterinarian team made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize the animal on Jan. 2, 2007.

You can help us continue our 4R efforts (Rescue, Responsibility, Rehabilitate and Research) with beluga whales by supporting the 4R program. Funds raised through the 4R program directly support our rehabilitation and conservation efforts. The 4R program also offers great benefits.

About Beluga Whales

Beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) are gregarious animals that are entirely found in arctic and sub-arctic waters. There are between 125,000 and 197,000 beluga whales in North American waters today. An adult beluga whale can grow to 15 feet in length and weigh up to 3,300 pounds. Beluga whales become white as adults; they have teeth and a single blowhole. They are called the "canary of the sea" for the sounds they make, which can be heard above the water. As with all marine animals, they are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. They are not listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. There are currently 32 beluga whales in a breeding alliance in aquariums and parks in the world today.