By high summer, the female beluga whales are preparing to give birth.The whales return to the same calving grounds in the Northwest Passage year after year, choosing bays that are sheltered from many strong currents.As the warmth fill her mother's womb is exchanged for the chill of the Arctic Ocean, it's incredible a new born calf can withstand the thermal shock.Instinct sends the calf straight to the surface to take a first breath. Her mother swims underneath to support her.Calves stay with their mother until they're two years old and won't turn white for another five years.
