Beluga Meet and Greet Training Session March 22, 2009

Ever wonder how aquarium staff care for beluga whales and get them to demonstrate their natural behaviors? Find out firsthand with a new, limited-time beluga meet and greet training program offered by Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration in collaboration with Shedd Aquarium. Throughout this spring break season, which runs until April 20, guests have the rare opportunity to get in the waters of the Arctic Coast exhibit to meet Shedd Aquarium’s beluga whales. For the first time on the East Coast, guests will get an up-close and personal opportunity to meet a beluga calf/juvenile.

Before getting into the water, participants will learn about the history and physiology of beluga whales. After getting into waterproof waders, they will get waist-deep in the water and participate in a 10- to 15-minute training session with one of Shedd Aquarium’s whales. Guests will be alongside Shedd’s trainers in the water as they carry out various husbandry behaviors – natural behaviors that allow staff to closely monitor animals’ health.

The limited-time beluga meet and greet training sessions will occur twice a day through April 20, with a limit of four people per session. Cost is $79 plus aquarium admission per person. Participants must be at least five feet tall and 16 years of age. The training program takes place rain or shine. Spaces are limited. To make a reservation, call (860) 572-5955, ext. 520.