Meet the Beguiling Beluga

Every year, some 3,000 beluga whales congregate in the mouth of the Churchill River at the edge of Hudson Bay. Guests on Nat Hab’s summer adventures in Churchill, Manitoba have the thrill of meeting them at arm’s length from motorized rafts and kayaks. These small white whales that live only in Arctic and sub-Arctic waters are docile and curious, often following alongside us as we ply the river. Get to know belugas in depth with Expedition Leader Eddy Savage, who introduces us to this species that thrives in the cold northern waters of North America, Greenland and Russia. The beluga, which is related to the narwhal, has adapted ingeniously to life in the Arctic, with anatomical and physiological characteristics that distinguish it from other cetaceans. Belugas are known for being vocal “singers,” their high-pitched calls earning them the nickname “canaries of the sea.” Eddy tells us about the fascinating features that make belugas unique, from the way they hear and communicate, to their diet and more. Belugas face a number of threats to their welfare, and Eddy fills us in on conservation priorities to ensure their future.


Originally presented March 12, 2021