ATLANTA — The Georgia Aquarium welcomed a familiar face back to its Cold Water Quest exhibit after years of receiving care in Florida, the aquarium announced Monday.
Nunavik, a 14-year-old beluga whale, returned to Atlanta after spending some time at SeaWorld Orlando as part of an initiative to care for the gentle giant sea animals. Weighing in at 2,488 pounds, Nunavik will now be the largest whale at the Aquarium.
He is getting comfortable in his new home and settling in with female beluga whales Maple, Shila, Qinu, and Whisper. Officials say he will add a much-needed male presence to the strong female group, providing "new opportunities for social interactions and possible courtship behaviors."
Nunavik has already made a splash at the Georgia Aquarium, as many of the trainers and animal care staff have already had a relationship with him from when he was previously in Atlanta. They hope to incorporate him into training sessions, enrichment, and routine healthcare sessions.
