Published on Jun 20, 2012 by AKSeaLifeCenter
The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) rescued a stranded beluga whale calf from Bristol Bay on Monday June 18, 2012. The animal, estimated at 2 to 3 days old, was found near the Diamond O Cannery in Naknek. The calf was picked up after rescuers called the ASLC, who received authorization from NOAA to attempt a rescue.

ASLC staff flew on a Grant Aviation aircraft from Seward to South Naknek airport to retrieve the calf. The roundtrip from Seward to Naknek and back to Seward took approximately 3 hours.

When the 5-foot long male cafe was brought to the Center, it weighed 50 kilograms (110 pounds). This calf is the first beluga whale to ever be housed at the Alaska SeaLife Center.