After gestation of 14 months, three white-whale calves born within 13 days of each other in December are healthy and well-nourished at Chimelong International Ocean Tourist Resort.

The successful breeding of one male and two females in semi-tropical Hengqin New Area, Zhuhai reportedly is instructive for the protection of endangered animals and breeding of them in captivity.

White whales are also known as belugas and are sometimes called sea canaries because of their high-pitched twitters. Placed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species in 2008, they are under second-class state protection in China.

A simulated breeding environment, on-site medical services, and professional keepers all contributed to the successful breeding. The three births have been approved by specialists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and other organizations.

According to a staff member, another beluga whale is also about to give birth. 

Sophia and calf [Photo provided by Chimelong Group]

Special care [Photo courtesy WeChat ID: happy_chimelong]