Shedd Aquarium And WGN Launch Baby Beluga Live Webcam

By Samantha Abernethy in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 23, 2013 3:00PM

Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez

The Shedd Aquarium has partnered up with WGN-TV to launch a live webcam of its baby beluga whale as part of a contest to name the baby.

The Shedd's beluga whale Mauyak gave birth to the 4 1/2-foot, 150-pound baby girl on August 27. Mauyak was consuming 65 pounds of fish per day to support the nursing calf, and now the baby weighs 300 pounds and measures six feet long.

Now you can cast your vote for the baby girl's name on the Shedd's website, on WGN's website or via text.

You can vote as many times as you like until Thursday, May 2 when the name will be revealed. Choose one of the following names derived from the Inuit language.

Nilak (NEE-lohk) - Freshwater ice
Kimalu (KEE-mah-loo) - Something or someone special
Aniuk (AH-nee-ook) - Snow for drinking water
Anana (Ah-NON-ah) - Beautiful

Each vote enters you in a contest to win an Extraordinary Experience Beluga Encounter. And if you have questions for the Shedd's scientists, WGN will answer them during the 5 p.m. broadcast on April 25. Submit yours on WGN's Facebook or via Twitter with the hashtag #namethebeluga.

And now for the webcam: Sometimes it's just a blue screen, but you'll stare at that aqua webcam for a hint of fin. Got some free time? Of course you do. There's always time for a baby zoo animal. Watch it here.