Happy Holidays!

[tumorhead]

Even though they are Arctic residents, few people are aware the beluga whales are a crucial part in Santa Claus's toy distribution business.

Comments

[midair]

sadsd NOW I DO TOO. I hope you're happy. ._.;

Baby beluga in the deep blue sea~ Swims so wild and he swims so free~

[grubby_tap]

Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

[m33ks]

Poor whales. I don't care if they're cute, it shouldn't be in a mammal that large's nature to balance HATS on it's nose. That tank looks TINY for it's size. Whales in general should never be kept in captivity.

[tumorhead]

Concering tank size, when I visited the Shedd Aquarium, the keepers were explaining that their belugas [I think they have like 3-4] were given a choice of either a hugeass mega-pool or a smaller one. They most always choose the smaller one , giving the tiny dolphins the other tank. Most peculiar!

[ebenizer]

and how did they know what they chose? wtf

[tumorhead]

I imagine they open up both tank areas [they're connected] and they stay in one spot :U

[kurara]

oh my god animal abuse =/

[skalja]

I'm actually fine with keeping small species of aquatic animals in captivity for the purposes of research, conservation, and education, and would point out that the angle of the camera makes it very hard to tell how large the enclosure in the photograph actually is, to say nothing of tumorhead's comments about beluga preferences (if you read this, tumorhead, got any more info on that? I've also heard that before, but am curious to hear more).

But dude, santa hats? They're not our toys. Plus, this is the same country doing all the bs whale-hunting. People, you're putting your whales in SANTA HATS when you could be informing your countrymen about wholesale slaughter? Yeah, that's great zoo management for ya.

[black_atolm]

I agree with your last statement. The picture may be cute to many peopole, but considering how Japan treats the world's cetaceans, it made me quite sad.

[skalja]

The article I linked to said that much of the Japanese public simply doesn't know that much about the whaling problem, which makes this all the more aggravating. I've been to a few zoo shows in the recent past, but they were of the educational type. "Hey, lookit our tigers exhibit their natural jumping prowess! Let us tell you some cool tiger facts! Aww, lookit him, he's all cute and fluffy ... don't let tigers go extinct, folks! Here is what you can do to learn more about wildlife conservation. Have a nice day. Erm, don't let the tigers splash you on the way out." That's cute too, right? And whales could really use that kind of publicity!

[black_atolm]

I agree. Even though Whale blubber sashimi and Whale bacon (ugh) is such a huge thing over there, makes you wonder if they would give that up? I know the baby boomer generation there is especially fond of whale meat, I guess it goes back to WWII, with limited food stuffs.

So wait, you have been to a Japanese whale/dolphin show? Or just tigers? Still too early for me. XD