The Georgia Aquarium announces that Maris, a 17-year-old Beluga whale, is expecting a calf in late 2012. Beluga whales are pregnant for more than a year before giving birth, so officials are going to keep a close eye on Maris over the next year.
The Georgia Aquarium has cared for Maris since it opened in 2005. Veterinarians are being very careful as they monitor Maris because first-time pregnancies (both in the wild and in captivity) are often unsuccessful for Beluga whales.