Meet the New Beluga Whale Calf at Shedd Aquarium - as part of the news series by GeoBeats.

There’s a new kid in town!

Shedd Aquarium in Chicago welcomed a new beluga whale to their brood.

Born on Monday August 27th, the calf is the third for experienced mom, and is reportedly doing well. Both mom and calf are under seclusion to allow them time to bond while under 24 hour observation from the medical team.

According to the aquarium's executive vice president, “ A newborn calf must reach several milestones in its first days and months so we remain cautious; however, the calf has demonstrated incredible progress.”

Shedd Aquarium is part of the North American beluga whale breeding cooperative and currently houses seven belugas including the new calf.

Found commonly in Arctic Ocean, Belugas are very sociable and typically stay in groups. Unlike other whales, they can swim backwards.While they are most easily recognized due to their white color, a newborn usually has a different color - grey or brown, which eventually changes to white.

What do you think about Beluga Whales? Have you ever seen one?