In August 1977, two beluga

whales were captured in the

Churchill River estuary (Manitoba,

Canada) for display at the soon-

to-open Minnesota Zoo.

The zoo opened to the public in

1978 and the whales, named "Big

Mouth" and "Little Girl," became

the most popular attraction.

The book BELUGA was published

by the Minnesota Zoo in 1978.

Afterword.

In 1984, Big Mouth suffered an

injury to his lower lip that would

not heal. In July 1986, Big Mouth

had surgery, but problems

persisted.

The Minnesota Zoo considered

capturing two more whales, but

the public was increasingly

expressing opposition to the

capture and display of whales

and dolphins.

In April 1987, Big Mouth and Little Girl were sent to Sea World San

Diego and the Minnesota Zoo's whale program was discontinued.

Little Girl died in 1989 at Sea World. Big Mouth was euthanized in

1990 after not responding to treatment for a bone disease.

In 1992, the Canadian government announced a ban on the capture of

beluga whales for export.