The Beluga Whale, with its human-like facial expressions, is a picture of friendly innocence. Many people find its wide, wrinkly smile endearing, but what humans may mistake for a charming personality is simply a part of the Beluga's physical makeup. Beluga whales have soft, flexible blubber around their necks that makes their faces appear to change expressions. Unfortunately, these loveable good looks make them much more likely to be captured and imprisoned in zoos and aquariums, depleting their wild populations.

Belugas in the wild inhabit the shallow coastal waters of the Arctic Ocean and adjoining seas. During the summer some populations congregate in freshwater estuaries and large river basins like the Yukon River and the St Lawrence.