SeaWorld San Antonio welcomed newborn whale Sunday

A 125-pound beluga whale, was born Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, at Sea World San Antonio at about 12:34 p.m. A 125-pound beluga whale, was born Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, at Sea World San Antonio at about 12:34 p.m. Photo: SeaWorld San Antonio Photo: SeaWorld San Antonio Image 1 of / 6 Caption Close SeaWorld San Antonio welcomed newborn whale Sunday 1 / 6 Back to Gallery

The newest addition to the SeaWorld San Antonio family is a 125-pound beluga whale born at the park Sunday afternoon about 12:34 Sunday.

Mom, Crissy, delivered the baby whale while park veterinarians, animal care staff and trainers looked on.

"This birth is important in educating the public to better understand and conserve this protected species," said Chris Bellows, SeaWorld San Antonio's vice president for zoological operations.

The baby beluga is dark gray and will slowly change color to white as it reaches maturity in five years.

The gender of the whale will remain unknown until the calf is old enough for animal care specialists to examine it.

Bellows said park employees will hourly monitor the calf's nursing, respirations and other vital indicators.

A news release noted that the calf was already bonding with its mother. Officials think the calf's father is Imaq, another SeaWorld San Antonio beluga whale.

Beluga Stadium will remain closed for the immediate future to allow the baby and mother to bond.

Though the news release indicated there will be limited visiting hours for visitors.