Science Writer Brings The True (And Tragic) Story Behind The Viral Beluga Whale Seen Playing "Fetch"

A clip first shared on November 7 that shows South African rugby fans playing "fetch" with a beluga whale was quick to capture the hearts of many, but it also raised questions and speculation about the mammal and its nature. Science writer @ferrisjabr shared some additional context and background, arguing that the whale is "likely Hvaldimir, a once captive whale who may have escaped a Russian military program."

Advertisement

For a weekly dose of animal-themed community challenges - Subscribe to our Newsletter!

Can't get enough of ICanHasCheezburger? Find us on Instagram!

Tags

russia beluga whale animal video animals
Scroll Down For The Next Article

Also From I Can Has Cheezburger?

Cat Stopped Toddler From Dangerous Plummeting Staircase (Video)

Cat Stopped Toddler From Dangerous Plummeting Staircase (Video)

Trending Now

‘She acted like I was her human she’d known forever’: Heartbroken adopter arrives to bring home her soul-cat, only to learn the shelter gave her away despite calls, emails, and hours of bonding

‘She acted like I was her human she’d known forever’: Heartbroken adopter arrives to bring home her soul-cat, only to learn the shelter gave her away despite calls, emails, and hours of bonding

01
26 Cat Memes That Showcase the Daily Drama of Being a Cat in a Cat’s World

26 Cat Memes That Showcase the Daily Drama of Being a Cat in a Cat’s World

02
27 Rays of Sunshine in the Form of Feline Funnies to Welcome Summer

27 Rays of Sunshine in the Form of Feline Funnies to Welcome Summer

03
18-year-old reports friend who owns 5 cats and 3 dogs to animal control due to neglect, the friend finds out who reported her and freaks out, and all their mutual friends take her side: 'I did what I thought was right'

18-year-old reports friend who owns 5 cats and 3 dogs to animal control due to neglect, the friend finds out who reported her and freaks out, and all their mutual friends take her side: 'I did what I thought was right'

04
‘She called me sobbing and demanded I give her the kitten’: Grad student tries to rehome stray cat, only to be caught in a classmate’s emotional spiral over an unconfirmed adoption

‘She called me sobbing and demanded I give her the kitten’: Grad student tries to rehome stray cat, only to be caught in a classmate’s emotional spiral over an unconfirmed adoption

05
Person finds a dirty cat lying on a pile of compost, takes him for a quick TNR but finds out he's too sick to live outside, falls in love with him and adopts him instead: 'I know when the vet said he was [fading] he must have somehow chosen us.'

Person finds a dirty cat lying on a pile of compost, takes him for a quick TNR but finds out he's too sick to live outside, falls in love with him and adopts him instead: 'I know when the vet said he was [fading] he must have somehow chosen us.'

06
Advertisement