Hello Inuk!

Wrinkles caused by the Beluga's ability to actually bend it's neck like us.

Inuk's ear opening.

Inuk's eye

Meet Inuk, upclose and personal.
Inuk is the Mystic Aquarium's male Beluga whale. He is an amazing creature who shows a great deal of curiosity and intelligence. When the crowds are thin at the Aquarium and there are only a few people in front of the glass he will sometimes stay and watch those people closely. Especially children who are more calm.

Some people ask if whales have ears at the aquarium...here you can see the small opening behind the eye, that's Inuk's ear.

Status: Vulnerable, growing risk; mostly from pollution of native waters but also hunting.

IUCN Redlist: Vulnerable
Cook Inlet Alaska Population: Critically Endangered.

CITES: Appendix 2

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Comments

yeimaya says:

Absolutely!!! First of all those eyes speak volumes.. your words are wonderful and it provides a really good place to talk about what aquariums and zoos are like for animals.

Gini is very involved with her local zoo and is alway asking that question too.

This photo grabbed my heart.. no question it should be in Voices.

I keep thinking about your son looking at the pictures there and it feels good. Does it to him?
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

eclectic echoes says:

Oh yes. We allow him 30 minutes a day at the computer and Flickr is one of his favorite activities. We look through Voices, Marine Mammals, Marine Biology and a handful of other animal centered pools every other day or so.

The pictures often lead us on journeys across the web, his encyclopedias and my marine biology books to explore the animals we see in more detail (at his insisence!). Flickr is for us a part of our classroom. A very enjoyable classroom for our whole family.

Right now he is organizing his collection of toy animals by habitat and continent, putting the ones he knows are endangered at the front of each grouping to highlight them.

Thanks you for your advice and wonderful comment.
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

JTCoastal says:

What a shot! Nothing can describe the feeling of looking into a whale's eye and this shot captures that. This is beautiful! This would be great in the rare wildlife pool as well. I've heard how poluted these animals can become in some areas. Of 6 of the Canadian beluga populations 2 are endangered, 2 threatened, and 2 of special concern. Do you know which population this animal was abducted from?
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

eclectic echoes says:

JTC -
Thank you. So far in my life I have only encountered a whale at aquariums. Inuk is an amazing creature, and I have been fortunate to spend quite a bit of time there. He has touched my son's life deeply as well.

Johann had just turned three when he first looked into those eyes, on a very quiet day at the aquarium. That moment was magic for him, and whenever it is quiet he will sit there with Inuk, Kela and (arggh can't remember the other female's name) for a long time just watching, talking to them and occaisionally looking them eye to eye.

Not sure where Inuk came from originally, but I can try and find out from the staff at the aquarium. I have heard that some of the Canadian populations were under extreme pressure from both pollution and trying to recover from years of hostility by both the commercial fishing and government.
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

SparkyLeigh says:

Wonderful to gaze at, and I have appreciated the dialogue here too ;)
It is a loving thing you do for your son, introducing him to natures wonders early in his life~
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

yeimaya says:

This photo is very very touching... to be gazed at with curiosity by an animal is such an honor. I put up some more marine mammal gazes to keep him company.

In the early 70's the efforts to protect whales had just begun. I was teaching nursery school and my son and his classmates propelled me into what has become my lifes work. Little kids at that time were hit hard by the pleas for awareness and protections... whales were like superheros to them gentle giants... I still believe a lot of the energy behind the first wave marine mammal protection came from kids!

There was a whale symposium in Bloomington Indiana (of all places) in 1973 and I went. The tiny research groups on the east and west coasts met for the first time .... nobody knew what a live healthy whale looked like in those pre-Cousteau days (only those that had beached or were on flensing decks).

There were scientists, musicians, artists, teachers at the symposium and many people were working on whale curriculum as a way to use whales as ambassadors from the sea. I brought one home (a curriculum not a whale)and took it around to various schools in Vermont.

Here is the point.... on one of the school trips, we went to visit Mystic and my son and I spent hours with the Belugas that were there at that time (don't know if any are still alive). Sitting quietly in the dark together sharing curiosities with those lovely whales was part of what started me down this path. Who knows what path they will start you down?

My son has gone in another direction (more people oriented) but still carries those experiences in his heart.
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

yeimaya says:

Would your son be willing to have a photograph of his animal collections on Voices?
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

Glisglis says:

An absolutely gorgeous close-up, and wonderful information to go with it =)
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

Gini~ says:

Super beautiful photo. Beluga whales are my daughter's favorite animal.
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

CellarDoor says:

wow!...amazing photo! very mesmerising!
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

hamapenguin says:

great shot!
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

eclectic echoes says:

Thank you everyone for your comments.

Sparky, JTC & Yeimaya : Thank you especially for your warming response.

It seems I am following a similar path to you Yeimaya, for some time as a youth I thought I would become a marine biologist and dreamed even of somehow getting to Woods Hole or Scripps. I have long counted Dr. Eugenie Clark, Dr. Earle and Dr. Ballard as my heroes following their careers and discoveries.

Unfortunately I took many detours, but find myself once more on that path as I am returning to school this fall to (finally) get my degree in marine biology, and hopefully pursue a masters degree as well. My wife and son, Inuk and his companions at the Aquarium, and the wildlife around here are all inspirations for this return to school and my original path.

Johann has declared for the past two years that he wants to work with animals as a scientist and researcher when he grows up. Primarily now he wants to help understand them and protect them. One of his animal encyclopedias has a page after each Class that lists the animals from that class that are critically endangered, or extinct in the wild. Johann's comment is always that "there are too many endangered." Of course then comes the hard to answer question: "How can we protet them?"

As of now he wants to go to school for Marine Biology, Biology, Zoology and Paleantology.
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

Gini~ says:

How old is your son? My son is 6 and is also very interested in protecting animals. He would like to be active in wildlife rehab now. I tell him that if he is still interested when he is old enough we will go get certified together. I used to do wildlife rehab a long time ago. He wants to be a scientist (any science), paleantologist, zoologist, diver, martial artist (tae kwon do master with his own school), wildlife rehaber, inventor, potion maker, actor and doctor. I just keep telling him he will be very busy.
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

Gini~ says:

Oh, I should add that my almost 3 year old daughter tells me she wants to be a monkey when she grows up. Ha!
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

eclectic echoes says:

Gini - Lol!

Tell your daughter that it only take a bit of imagination! My whole family often plays "monkey" along with chimpansee, lemur, and a whole whost of other primates regularly. Never in my wildest dreams before Johann was born (5yrs ago) did I imagine I would be regularly acting like a monkey.
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

Esther17 says:

Such a lovely photo of such a beautiful, intelligent creature.
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

Violentz says:

gorgeous!
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

mimbrava says:

Wonderful photo, and a beautiful bunch of comments.
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

Thomas Hawk says:

And hello back at ya!

Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

SuperDave!! says:

Fantastic photo.
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

Morven Photo says:

A lovely close up - nice image - FAV
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

_mpd_ says:

The framing's perfect!
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

ireth1 says:

Es una foto preciosa!me encanta!:-D
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

ScurvyMouse says:

Lovely shot and lovely stories.
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

Alton @flickr says:

Hello, Inuk!
Call me Ishmael.
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

jkoshi says:

The eyes say to me, "So long and thanks for all the fish."
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

eclectic echoes says:

Thank you all!
Yes Inuk is a very intelligent creature, I'll have to tell about his halloween performance sometime.

jkoshi - I'm glad he's communicating to you through this photo! To me he's saying "Hello, wanna play?"
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

Junkgirl™ says:

Absolutely up close & personal!Excellent shot!
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

Pink Dolphin & Blue Elephant says:

lovely beluga..=)
my fav..
Posted 53 months ago. ( permalink )

Superchou says:

taht is such a great image!
Posted 53 months ago. ( permalink )

on* says:

this is really interesting......
Posted 53 months ago. ( permalink )

Studio E says:

He's such a marvelous creature. You've captured him well.
Posted 53 months ago. ( permalink )

Blackwings says:

wonderful how you catch this picture;-)
Posted 53 months ago. ( permalink )

Edwinek says:

He looks so incredibly friendly. And I love that ear!
Posted 53 months ago. ( permalink )

Nuts In May says:

Belugas are stunning. Have you seen 'life in the freezer' David Attenborough - the Belugas star!!
Posted 53 months ago. ( permalink )

eclectic echoes says:

Thank you all! Your comments and fav'ing mean alot to me.

He is wonderfully friendly. They have a contact program at the aquarium, Inuk - like many beluga - like to have his tongue patted. Extremely intelligent too. He also has a sense of humor and a mischievious side! A real character.

Nuts In May - No, haven't seen Life in the Freezer, but my family loves the Attenborough series, eventually we will have to buy ll his series of shows on DVD. Thanks for giving me a heads up on that one.
Posted 53 months ago. ( permalink )

Hilary (curioush) says:

wonderful
Posted 53 months ago. ( permalink )

roschler says:

What a beautiful photo of a wonderful mammal!
Posted 53 months ago. ( permalink )

ellectric says:

I want one! ;)
Posted 53 months ago. ( permalink )

roschler says:

@ellectric,

Got 50,000 gallons of water? :)
Posted 53 months ago. ( permalink )

eclectic echoes says:

Thanks all!

Ellectric -
Also needs to be cooled to the low to mid 50's, saline and properly filtered! You should see the "behind the scenes" filtering and maintenance requirements for Inuk's facility. Amazing amount of work (and cost!) I was going to volunteer to clean the tank but I don't know if I can handle that cold!

Volunteering for Seal rescue work instead.
Posted 53 months ago. ( permalink )

!ITSONG Admin says:

Congratulations!
Please add this photo to the
PORTFOLIO
In The Style Of National Geographic.
Please don’t forget to remove it from
SELECTION
Thanks for your marvelous collaboration!
Posted 53 months ago. ( permalink )

MsAnthea says:

I love this picture; it reminds me why I like Flickr so much. If you hadn't posted this here I may not ever have the opportunity to see a great animal like this. He/she even posed for you. Nice photo. Thank you for posting & sharing.
Posted 53 months ago. ( permalink )

kimberkit says:

He smiled for you! Wow.
Posted 52 months ago. ( permalink )

Aiko Heiwa says:

Oh wow, this is beautiful!
Posted 52 months ago. ( permalink )

NYCArthur says:

I should probably read the auction bidding rules - this photo is amazing of an amazing creature.

$10 to start the bidding for the Katrina Relief Auction!
Posted 52 months ago. ( permalink )

eclectic echoes says:

Thank you everyone!

A print of this image is being auctioned off to raise funds for the Red Cross towards hurricane Katrina relief. If you are interested in bidding on the image (high bid will be paid to the Red Cross) Please visit the Katrina Relief Auction topic for this image
Posted 52 months ago. ( permalink )

anginhamm says:

WONDERLAND!
Posted 52 months ago. ( permalink )

Wit Ling says:

Hi eclectic,

Sorry to do this here, but I'm new to Flickr and don't have it all set up yet. I've been away, and the auction thread for Inuk seems to have been taken down now. Did I post the winning bid? If so, I think the next thing is for you to let Flickr know that, and for me to post a cheque to IRC...yes?

Thanks,

Witling
Posted 52 months ago. ( permalink )

eO' [deleted] says:

:))
Posted 51 months ago. ( permalink )

preetalina - Preeti Desai says:

This is an amazing shot. I also love the dialogue in the comments.

When I was growing up, I always wanted to be a marine mammal biologist. Unfortunately, I went in a completely different direction in school. But it's great to hear that your son is learning about and appreciating animals at such an early age.
Posted 51 months ago. ( permalink )

K8tie* [deleted] says:

I'm inlove.. =)
Posted 50 months ago. ( permalink )

faizall says:

love it
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

yeimaya says:

You are invited to post this image to "Spectacular Nature, invite only

www.flickr.com/groups/spectacular_nature/

Time for this wonderful wise face to bubble back up from your photostream.
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

e³°°° says:

really rare & amazing whale portrait!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

mRio says:

i love Belugas!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

Velvet Android says:

I love it :) So distinctively cetacean even on the thumbnail image on the 'Spectacular Nature' pool page
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

cindy47452 says:

BRAVO !

This shot is invited to join the pool. The Best:BRAVO
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

[togr] says:

Wonderful shot. Except for the eye, it looks like ripples in a glass of milk!
Posted 45 months ago. ( permalink )

camden hackworth says:

Amazing close up.
Posted 45 months ago. ( permalink )

eclectic echoes says:

Thank you everyone.

If you enjoy this image of a magnificent Beluga originally from the waters of Alaska, perhaps you would be so kind as to help protect the now critically endangered population of Cook's Inlet. This distinct Beluga population has declined by over 70% in the past 20 years and now stands at under 225 adults, qualifying it, unfortunately, as IUCN Critically Endangered. Now the NMFS is reviewing their status. Currently they are not listed in the US under the endangered species act.

Help Inuk's relatives and let the NMFS that you care about this mazing Marine Mammal. Please email them at:
CIB-ESA-Status-Review@noaa.gov
include in the subject line: "CI Beluga Status Review"

Thank You.
Posted 43 months ago. ( permalink )

yeimaya says:

Eric it is time for Inuk to be the icon for Voices. It is such a beautiful face, so searching and intelligent.

Could we trade.... I would love to have his image looking over me at my desk, keeping me honest.

Is there one you would like of mine. Is there a way to emailing the images and printing them ourselves. Stu has a huge printer and some amazing paper.

Oh and what is the Halloween story about Inuk?
Posted 43 months ago. ( permalink )

eclectic echoes says:

Gale, I am honored to have Inuk as the Icon for Voices.

I will find the master file nd send you an Email.

No trade necessary but I can think of a few of yours that I would be proud to have in my office.

Oh, the Halloween story.....
For their halloween night (which is attended mostly by Aquarium Members) they come up with new shows. While we were there a few days before during school hours, the trainers were taking advantage of the lull to do some training with Inuk for the show. The idea was to have him pull and interact with an inflatable dingy with a trainer in it. The trainer was going to be dresses as Captin Kidd I believe.

As we were watching at the side of the pool, they lowered in the dingy and Inuk was ok with it. The two females were getting one on one training in a connected but separate area. The trainer got in and Inuk got interested in the dingy. He nosed it around a bit, pushing it to one side. Then he decided to taste the dingy...

Ooops. While not very sharp, Beluga have strong conical teeth and very strong jaws. It popped the disngy which started sinking pretty quick. The trainer pddled as best as possible to the nearest shore, which turned out to be right were we were standing. She grabbed hold of my arm right as the dingy went completely flat.

Inuk came up to her while Tammy and I were holding her arms and gave here a friendly kiss...maybe guilty sorry? Then headed back to the main area of the pool. We hauled the trainer over the fence and she and Johann talked for a minute before she headed off. It was great of her to stop and talk to Johann. Leetting him know it was the first time the dingy had been in Inuks pool, he was curious etc...

Johann thought the best part was when Inuk came to "apologize". He is a character with a unique personality.
Posted 43 months ago. ( permalink )

ThePhoenix101 says:

A Big Fave
Please add this to www.flickr.com/groups/bigfave
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

yeimaya says:

So dear Eric and Johann and Tammy when will you show your lovely spirits again???
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

JRGCreations says:

Amazing shot!

Unique and beautiful.
Posted 36 months ago. ( permalink )

Indra Swari says:

Lovely inuk... Lovely shot.
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Nikki and Jason says:

Excellent close up, Inuk is a nut. I love that whale
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

pallapinco (moved to "mida84") says:

Fantastic image! I really love this animal portrait!

If you want take a look to this photostream...(It's where I post some serious stuff.. ) it is not so bad! I'd really appreciate it!

Comment posted with .
Posted 14 months ago. ( permalink )

OrcaDream says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Delphinapterus leucas (Beluga Whales), and we'd love to have this added to the group!
Posted 4 months ago. ( permalink )

Nalani_luvr says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Captive Wonders (marine animals ONLY!), and we'd love to have this added to the group!
Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )

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Taken in Mystic, Connecticut (map)
Taken with a Canon EOS 10D.
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Taken on May 8, 2005
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Hello Inuk!

Comments

yeimaya says:

eclectic echoes says:

JTCoastal says:

eclectic echoes says:

SparkyLeigh says:

yeimaya says:

yeimaya says:

Glisglis says:

Gini~ says:

CellarDoor says:

hamapenguin says:

eclectic echoes says:

Gini~ says:

Gini~ says:

eclectic echoes says:

Esther17 says:

Violentz says:

mimbrava says:

Thomas Hawk says:

SuperDave!! says:

Morven Photo says:

_mpd_ says:

ireth1 says:

ScurvyMouse says:

Alton @flickr says:

jkoshi says:

eclectic echoes says:

Junkgirl™ says:

Pink Dolphin & Blue Elephant says:

Superchou says:

on* says:

Studio E says:

Blackwings says:

Edwinek says:

Nuts In May says:

eclectic echoes says:

Hilary (curioush) says:

roschler says:

ellectric says:

roschler says:

eclectic echoes says:

!ITSONG Admin says:

MsAnthea says:

kimberkit says:

Aiko Heiwa says:

NYCArthur says:

eclectic echoes says:

anginhamm says:

Wit Ling says:

eO' [deleted] says:

preetalina - Preeti Desai says:

K8tie* [deleted] says:

faizall says:

yeimaya says:

e³°°° says:

mRio says:

Velvet Android says:

cindy47452 says:

[togr] says:

camden hackworth says:

eclectic echoes says:

yeimaya says:

eclectic echoes says:

ThePhoenix101 says:

yeimaya says:

JRGCreations says:

Indra Swari says:

Nikki and Jason says:

pallapinco (moved to "mida84") says:

OrcaDream says:

Nalani_luvr says:

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