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Captive Beluga Whales Pass Mirror Self-Recognition Mark Test

5/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Researchers at the New York Aquarium reported that captive beluga whales demonstrated mirror self-recognition.
The May 20 PLOS One study tested four females—Kathy, Marina, Natasha and her 7-year-old daughter Maris.
Natasha and Maris interacted with their reflections by clapping jaws, jerking heads and performing contingency-testing behaviors.
During a second session Natasha passed the mark test by touching a temporary visual mark while viewing herself in the mirror.

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Story summary

Researchers at the New York Aquarium reported that captive beluga whales demonstrated mirror self-recognition.
The May 20 PLOS One study tested four females—Kathy, Marina, Natasha and her 7-year-old daughter Maris.
Natasha and Maris interacted with their reflections by clapping jaws, jerking heads and performing contingency-testing behaviors.
During a second session Natasha passed the mark test by touching a temporary visual mark while viewing herself in the mirror.