Belugas are smart.
I’ve seen them a number of times here in Alaska. One time was very special, when a group surprised me by swimming very close to me as I was photographing on the shore of Turnagain Arm years ago.
Beluga whale filmed playing ‘fetch’ with Rugby World Cup ball
A beluga whale has been filmed playing ‘fetch’ with with an official 2019 Rugby World Cup ball near the Arctic Pole. A group of South African rugby fans can be seen throwing the ball out into the ocean. The whale chases the ball, before returning it to the men on the boat.