@animals.going.wild: With their playful personalities, rounded foreheads, and permanent smiles, beluga whales look like cartoon characters brought to life. They’re often called “canaries of the sea” because of their wide range of vocalizations, and they’re known to interact joyfully with humans. In aquariums, they play games and even mimic facial expressions. In the wild, they travel in pods and are deeply social, often seen rubbing against each other affectionately. Their soft, marshmallow-like appearance and expressive eyes trigger instant affection. Watching a beluga swim is like watching joy personified — they remind us of the innocence and intelligence hidden beneath the waves.