Beluga whales are entirely arctic and subarctic. They inhabit the Arctic Ocean and its adjoining seas. During certain times of the year they are also found in large rivers. A beluga’s “melon” is a rounded structure on the dorsal surface of a whale's head, just in front of the blowhole. The melon probably facilitates sound production. It changes shape when the whale is producing sounds. Aside from the narwhal (another arctic species), beluga whales are the only other member of the Monodontidae whale family.
Meet the Beluga Whales
Allua
Allua
Female
Allua came to San Diego from Vancouver Aquarium in July of 2005. Allua often spits water up in the air and tries to catch it in her mouth – a behavior that is also used to find food underneath ice floes and within silty ocean bottoms.
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Klondike
Klondike
Male
Klondike was born at Marineland, Canada in 2002 and came to San Diego in June of 2014. Klondike is very social and energetic.
Found In:
Oliver
Oliver
Male
Oliver came to San Diego from SeaWorld Orlando in February of 2024. He has a wrinkle at the front of his melon, dark circles around his eyes, and grey patterns on his flukes. Oliver loves enrichment and has a variety of vocals in his repertoire.
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