The Moskvarium Centre of Oceanography and Marine Biology has become the new home of a male beluga whale named Prokhor. The whale had lived at the Yalta Dolphinarium since 2004.

Prokhor is an adult whale who measures almost 5 m in length and weighs 1,350 kg. Prokhor is over 25 years old. This is a mature age for beluga whales, as their life expectancy is about 35 to 40 years. Prokhor needs proper care and regular health monitoring due to his chronic diseases.

At Moskvarium, Prokhor lives in a pool with a volume of more than 11 million liters, along with a female beluga whale named Ponka who is helping him adapt to his new home. The animals spend most of their time together.

Prokhor was transported from Yalta to Moscow in a specially equipped vehicle under the supervision of veterinarians. The trip went according to plan, and the beluga whale is in good condition. One of the main indicators of his well-being is his good appetite. Prokhor eats 26 kg of selected pink salmon and herring daily.

According to the Moskvarium specialists, now their main task is to win Prokhor's trust and help him get used to the new environment as quickly as possible. It is very important to teach the animal to interact with veterinarians and calmly undergo any necessary medical procedures. The specialists have already prepared a comprehensive programme of classes and training, which will add variety to Prokhor’s life in the new environment and develop his cognitive functions.