Alaska SeaLife Center staff at Seward guide the two-to-four-week-old male Cook Inlet beluga calf in his new environment. The calf found stranded near Trading Bay in western Cook Inlet was rescued and is being treated at the SeaLife Center. The calf was first spotted from a helicopter by a NOAA Office of Law Enforcement officer, and Alaska Wildlife Troopers pilot. A SeaLife Center veterinarian was called to assess the calf’s condition and a decision was made to transport the young whale to Anchorage for subsequent transfer to the SeaLife Center. The calf, which is about 64 inches long and 142 pounds, is being fed every two hours with an electrolyte solution and dilute formula. SeaLife Center officials said he is able to swim and breathe regularly, but faces tremendous hurdles ahead. Photo is courtesy of NOAA Fisheries in Juneau.
