Nico, a male beluga whale, arrived safely at the Georgia Aquarium on October 17, 2005. He came from the LaFeria de Chapultepec amusement park, a privately operated facility, in Mexico City. He lived underneath a wooden rollercoaster in a stressful and unhealthy situation. He was originally acquired by previous owners of LaFeria de Chapultepec and, when the park sold, the new owners recognized the habitat was not adequate to maintain this animal. The new owners actively worked with us to obtain the necessary permits to export him to the United States. He was transported by Georgia Aquarium staff in a specially designed transport unit on board a Boeing 767 aircraft donated by UPS that flew direct from Mexico City to Atlanta. In his new home at the Georgia Aquarium, Nico enjoys an 800,000 gallon state-of-the-art habitat designed to simulate his natural environment and is under the care of one of the world’s best veterinary staffs.

Nico is a male, approximately 17 years old and around 12 feet long. He is now being maintained with two female belugas, who are on a breeding loan from the New York Aquarium.

You can help us continue our efforts to rescue, relocate, rehabilitate and research beluga whales by supporting the 4R program. Funds raised through the 4R program directly support our rehabilitation and conservation efforts. The 4R program also offers great benefits.

About Beluga Whales

Beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) are gregarious animals that are entirely found in arctic and sub-arctic waters. There are between 125,000 and 197,000 beluga whales in North American waters today. An adult beluga whale can grow to 15 feet in length and weigh up to 3,300 lbs. Beluga whales become white as adults; they have teeth and a single blowhole. They are called the "canary of the sea" for the sounds they make, which can be heard above the water. As with all marine animals, they are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. They are not listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. There are currently 32 beluga whales in a breeding alliance in aquariums and parks in the world today.