WHALES

• Whales are mammals, therefore they are air-breathing with lungs, nurse their young, are warm-blooded, and have hair (in very small amounts).
• Whales are widely distributed around the globe, and are found in all oceans.
• Many species of whales migrate long distances each year between feeding and breeding grounds.
• Whales are divided up between baleen whales and toothed whales. Baleen whales are filter feeders, feeding on the oceans smallest organisms like krill, while toothed whales feed on fish, squid, and other marine mammals.
• Whales are in the Cetacean Order, which also includes dolphins and porpoises.

Beluga Whale Facts: The name “Beluga” comes from the Russian word for “White”. The Beluga Whale’s white skin has completely adapted to its Arctic habitat. The Beluga whale is most closely related to the Narwhal, or “Unicorn” Whale. They are unlike other whales because the vertebrae in their necks are not fused. This allows them to move their heads side to side, as well as, up and down. Find out more about Beluga Whales. Minke Whale Facts: Minke Whales are smaller in size than most in the baleen category. They are dark grey or black on their backs and white on their bellies. Because of their size, they have long been overlooked by whalers. Their population size is estimated at more than 750,000. Minke Whales are not often found in groups outside of migration. They are often found alone, with a partner, or as a group of three. Many studies of Minke Whales have been conducted due to their population numbers. Minke Whales can dive for 25 minutes on one breath, as well as, reach speeds of up to 38 km/h.