Wednesday

Open wide! Incredible photos make white Beluga whale look like he's about to swallow girl, 3, in one gulp

This is the moment little Veronic Antov thought she was going to be a whale's dinner.

The three-year-old looked like she was going to be gobbled up by a white beluga whale after pressing her nose up against the glass at an aquarium.

But they soon became firm friends - and the huge whale even gave her a 'kiss' from behind the glass screen.

The incredible interaction between the 11ft whale and Veronica was captured by the three-year-old's father Andrey Antov.

Veronica discovered the whale, named Juno, while on a visit to the Mystic Aquarium with her parents.

It was just before closing time when the pair met and an instant bond was established.

While Veronica ran along the stretch of the tank's window the whale happily shadowed her and nodded his head enthusiastically.


The 90 stone mammal also swam in circles and even 'kissed' Veronica by opening his mouth and putting it up to the window.

With her hands pressed firmly against the glass, Veronica stared in awe as the curious whale played with her for half an hour.

After witnessing the magical scenes, Andrey and his wife Magda bought a year's membership so they could come and visit again.


The aquarium in Mystic, Connecticut, US, is an hour and a half drive from the Antov's hometown of Oxford, Connecticut.

Andrey, 36, said: 'My wife and I thought it would be good to do 'educational' trips every weekend for our children.

'So we started taking Veronica and our one year old son Oliver to circuses, fairs, aquariums and zoos for example.


We decided to visit Mystic Aquarium one time and this was where Veronica met Juno.

'The interaction between the two was incredible and my wife and I were amazed at what we were seeing.

'It was really special for Veronica and she was understandably in awe of the huge whale.

'She decided to name him Alex for some reason, she is always coming up with funny names for animals.

'We send the photos to our families and all of them were very excited to see them and hear about it.


'Whenever we talk we always chat about the encounter between Veronica and the whale.'

Juno, who is identified by the grey circles around his eyes, arrived at the aquarium from the famous water park SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida, US.

He is one of four beluga whales at Mystic Aquarium.

The nature photographer added: 'My wife and I have always wanted the kids to be close to nature and learn about different creatures, small and large.


'But I've certainly never seen an interaction like this in my life before - apart from in films like Free Willy.

'My little son Oliver was not so keen on Juno though, he was so afraid of him he ran away.'

Veronica added: 'I liked it when the whale was giving me kisses and playing with me, he was a bit silly though.'
Source



Responses to "Beluga whale appears to swallow girl (PHOTOS)"

  1. Anonymous says:

    Beautiful animal. So precious.

  2. Taimi Pimentola-Heikkinen says:

    :) All it takes is an open mind ... <3

    Encounters like this one are 'magic', but we should remember, that - despite all kinds of precautions - we make those mamals in captivity suffer from numerous health problems by depriving them of their native habitat and freedom.

  3. Anonymous says:

    If there would be no places like that we and our kids would never know about those fantastic animals and their sometimes wonderful psychic intercourse habitat with us...
    If the brains of those animals are connected in any way with their families,they are able then to let them know,there is something wonderful thats between them and some humans...not only oilspills.
    <3 Love to the good. Major T.

  4. Anonymous says:

    let it go free!!

  5. Anonymous says:

    Such wonder filled precious moments for your children.That moment enriched a life and will never be forgotten.Well done for giving your children a unmatched gift.I envy them.

  6. superman says:

    startling and lovely experience

  7. Unknown says:

    Amazing photos and story. Wow. There is obviously a connection between these two. It would be wonderful if you could keep us updated through a web site or blog on their progress and future visits. I love happy stories and thank you for sharing this one.

  8. Anonymous says:

    How can anyone explain this amazing connection between a little girl and this incredible Baluga whale? It's so beautiful! :)

  9. Anonymous says:

    Wouldn't it be so cool if they took her there often so that they would have a bond. Even after the young girl grows it would be somthing special...and I also feel set it free, but you know it is so sad to say,maybe he is better off where he is protected. The oceans are dying and the Lord is going to turn them to blood, because we haven't taken care of them. That's our own punishment for what we have done to the water and life. But the whole photos of the child with such a beautiful creature is so inspiring, you just want to hold them both....God Bless: DEB.

  10. Anonymous says:

    Beautiful....these mammals/animals have such natural instincts...this a lifetime, a life changing moment....Maybe someday this amazing little girl will have a huge impact on the lives of these whales from this one encounter....I hope so....Thank you for sharing this....

  11. Unknown says:

    https://www.afd.org.au/news-articles/why-this-video-of-a-beluga-whale-playing-with-children-is-actually-very-sad

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