ATLANTA — The Georgia Aquarium says one of its Beluga whales is pregnant.
Twenty-year-old Maris is expected to give birth in spring 2015.
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“Maris is in good health, and her calf appears to be developing normally,” said Dr. Gregory Bossart, V.M.D., Ph.D., chief veterinary officer and senior vice president at Georgia Aquarium. “We are hopeful for a successful birth, especially since Maris demonstrated strong maternal instincts during her first pregnancy. Chances for a successful birth increase with every beluga whale pregnancy. As with all mammals – especially marine mammals – pregnancy is a delicate process not without risk, so we are guardedly optimistic.”
Maris gave birth to her first calf in 2012, but it had multiple medical conditions and did not survive, the aquarium says.
Updates on Maris' pregnancy will be shared with the public on Georgia Aquarium's blog and social media channels.
WSBTV
