*An unforgettable day of discovery, awe, and splash-filled memories*

A Nervous Buzz and a Whale-Sized Welcome

The nervous excitement was palpable as our guide introduced us to the beluga whales with a short video and some fun facts. Faces lit up as we saw footage of previous encounters—realizing that soon, we would be up close with these majestic creatures.

Wriggling into our waders was an experience in itself. For some, they were a little snug; others had to cinch the straps to keep them secure. But when we stepped into the 55° water of the beluga tank, we were very thankful for them!

Meeting Aurik, the Gentle Giant

Tucked behind the Abbott Oceanarium, we stepped into a small tank and began the educational portion of the encounter. The trainer introduced us to Aurik—Shedd’s largest beluga at nearly 15 feet long and weighing close to 2,500 pounds!

We learned how to wave at him, and he waved right back. Each of us got to feed him two small fish, either tossing them in or letting him take them directly from our hands (a few brave souls described it as feeling like a vacuum cleaner!).

Vocal Whales and Gentle Touches

We heard Aurik's unique call through his blowhole, a deep and resonant sound that surprised us with its volume. The trainer explained that belugas use a “flight” response when they feel threatened, so we kept our movements calm and slow.

We got the chance to gently touch Aurik’s back—his skin felt rubbery and spongy—then his fluke, which was firmer and more textured. It was incredible to be so close and make contact with such a powerful yet gentle animal.

Strike a Pose with a Beluga

When it was time for individual photos, we each had a choice: receive a kiss on the cheek from Aurik or gently bump his “melon” (yes, that’s the real scientific term!). We also gave him high-fives, patted his tongue, or signaled him to spin.

Going first turned out to be a great decision—it helped everyone else feel more comfortable jumping in. Watching each person light up during their interaction was a highlight of the day. One sentiment kept coming up: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

A Surprise Splash and Belly Laughs

One student asked to be splashed by a beluga (bold move!), and Annik, Shedd’s youngest and most mischievous whale, delivered a double spray—caught perfectly by the photographer. Not to be left out, the rest of us volunteered to be “a little wet” and were splashed by Annik’s “fountain.”

Let’s just say it was more than a little for some, but the laughter and surprise made it all worth it.

Curious Questions and Whale-Wise Answers

After our 45-minute encounter, we changed out of our waders and spent a few moments asking questions:

How many belugas live at Shedd? Eight
Do they all get along? Mostly—they rotate social groups and trainers
How do you train them? With hand signals and positive reinforcement
Hardest behavior to teach? Medical care tasks like staying still for ultrasounds or blood draws

The trainers left us with a powerful message: share what you've learned—because when people care, they take action to protect.

Exploring the Rest of the Aquarium

After the encounter, we continued exploring the aquarium. Some students eagerly greeted the sea otters, while others carefully touched barnacles and starfish in the touch tanks. We visited the Wild Reef, where we watched sharks and stingrays glide gracefully around us.

Finally, we found a quiet space near the Wonder of Water exhibit to sit and sketch the vibrant coral and colorful fish. A few poems were shared—one from the perspective of a fish, another about the “whisper of the waves” that pulls us toward the sea.

Gratitude and Lasting Memories

This week has been exhilarating and exhausting in the best ways. We’ve hiked, climbed, explored ecosystems, and shared meaningful moments. We felt the sun, the breeze, and even the icy splash of a beluga whale. We wrote poems, stretched our comfort zones, and learned alongside one another.

I’m grateful for the time spent with these thoughtful, curious students—and for the unforgettable memories we’ve made together.