The beluga whales from the Primorye Territory’s Srednyaya Bay that were released into Uspeniya Bay, also in Primorye, are successfully adapting to life in the wild, according to the Free Russian Whales coalition of public organisations.

“According to a survey of local observers, belugas stay in groups and show hunting behaviour,” the message reads.

Those surveyed by the organisation say that belugas are spotted often, always in groups of at least two but usually of 6–12 whales.

“Grey ones (calves) are seen together with white ones (adults). In addition, no deaths among the belugas have been reported,” experts note.

The locals also said that the whales come to different bays, spend two or three days there, and then swim away. The mammals do not approach people for fish.

Monitoring work was carried out at the release site on 13–14 December.