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Days-old beluga whale calf rescued in Alaska

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SEWARD, Alaska -- A beluga whale calf, believed to have been separated from his mother during a storm, has been rescued from Alaska’s Bristol Bay.

The calf, estimated at 2 to 3 days old when it was found Monday, was taken in by the Alaska SeaLife Center, after attempts by others to encourage the calf to the open ocean failed.

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This is the first beluga the center has housed.

President and CEO Tara Riemer Jones said the biggest challenge has been providing 24-hour care. She said staff from U.S. aquariums with experience with belugas have come or are coming to help.

Jones said a federal agency will ultimately decide placement of the animal, as he won’t be released into the wild. Calves in the wild nurse for about two years.

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-- Associated Press

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