It’s a (big) boy! New beluga baby born at Shedd

Shedd Aquarium got an early Christmas present this week when Puiji, one of its two pregnant beluga whales gave birth to a 162-pound, five-foot, four-inch male calf.

The calf was breech-born, emerging at 6:36 a.m. Monday from its mother’s womb head first rather than tail first, but it took its first breath and began swimming very quickly, the Shedd reported in a press release issued Tuesday morning. It nursed from Puiji for the first time Tuesday morning. (Watch Shedd video of the birth here.)

Because of the breech birth, the calf’s tail is slightly curved, Shedd officials said, so keepers are closely monitoring its ability to dive. So far, after conducting a physical on the baby Monday night, veterinarians said the calf is in good condition and doing well thus far, though it will be watched carefully for the next several days.

“A newborn calf must reach several milestones in its first days and months,” said Ken Ramirez, the Shedd senior vice president in charge of animal collections, “so we remain cautiously optimistic.

Shedd Aquarium beluga whale Puiji and her new calf, born Monday.

“While not the norm, breech births obviously can be successful. While both mom and calf continue to do well, a breech birth poses additional hurdles and we will continue to closely monitor the natural behaviors of each whale over the coming days and weeks.”

Puiji, 23, is also the mother of a 3-year-old female calf, Bella. The father is Shedd’s resident male, Naluark. He is also sire to a calf being carried by another female, Naya, who Shedd officials said continues to do well with her pregnancy. She is expected to give birth in coming weeks.

–William Mullen – chicagobreakingnews.com

Similar Posts:

• Baby Beluga Whale Calf Born At Shedd Aquarium
• 1 of 2 newborns belugas dies at Chicago Aquarium
• 2 beluga whales pregnant at Chicago aquarium
• New Rhino Calf at Dublin Zoo
• Melbourne Zoo’s elephant baby put on the scales on Monday