Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration

Beluga whales are very popular and often part of zoo and aquarium collection animals; however there are only approximately 30 captive belugas within the United States . Many of these animals constitute an older population with reduced reproductive potential, and as there are so few captive animals in total, genetic diversity is limited among this population. Transport of these large marine mammals can be risky, difficult and costly.

In 2005, MAIFE became the first institution to attempt artificial insemination of a beluga whale. Artificial insemination has previously been successful in dolphins and killer whales at other institutions. Prior to the attempt, our husbandry team began extensive training of all our beluga whales for blood and urine collection and abdominal ultrasound under behavioral control. Through a generous grant from the Bernice Barbour Foundation, the RAVS department was able to purchase a portable ultrasound machine to monitor the female beluga whale reproductive tract and cycle. Scientists gathered important data on ovarian follicle size and development, ovulation, and hormone fluctuations. Though our attempts at artificial fertilization have been unsuccessful thus far, we have learned a great deal about basic beluga reproduction. This groundbreaking research contributes not only to our understanding of captive beluga reproduction, but can also be applied toward understanding wild beluga reproduction. It also helps lay a foundation for artificial insemination in other marine mammals, potentially including endangered species such as the Steller Sea Lion.