Belugas return to aquarium

Arts and Culture

The Georgia Aquarium brought back beluga whales.

Beluga whales returned to the Georgia Aquarium on Tuesday and are expected to be open to the public starting Wednesday. The two whales, Beethoven (top) and Maris (bottom, were chosen for their compatibility.

Early last October, the aquarium moved its three belugas -- including Maris (bottom) to San Antonio.

The beluga whales are among just 36 in captivity.

The whales were moved so that their exhibit could undergo minor renovations.

The six facilities that house the captive belugas manage the individuals as one large collection.

Beethoven (bottom) and Maris (top) swim by the glass.

Andrea Varner with the aquarium's environmental operations cleans the glass as Beethoven (top) and Maris (bottom) swim past.

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Beluga whales returned to the Georgia Aquarium on Tuesday and are expected to be open to the public starting Wednesday. The two whales, Beethoven (top) and Maris (bottom, were chosen for their compatibility.

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