Poor beluga!

Massaging the melon

@YinglongFujun  
“cushions the skull when they ram against the ice to break it up”  
That’s awesome. Imagine able to use the eye lens as a ramming weapon.

@YinglongFujun  
Speaking of beluga whales, guess how close I was to one.

@sTs
 
I’m inclined to believe that the diver’s not hurting the whale. From the original thread:
 
“All toothed whales have one but belugas have a particularly big one, and they have a unique ability to change its shape in order to focus sound better. It also cushions their skull when they ram against the ice to break it up. So don’t worry, playing with it doesn’t hurt them.”
 
Also, beluga whales are intelligent enough to signal discomfort or annoyance by moving away. This whale was probably staying for the novel, interesting sensation the diver provided instead. Such motion provided by human hands is likely very uncommon in the wild.

@sTs  
I have to think the beluga’s enjoying it, considering how close its jaws are to the diver’s head and how said head is still attached to the accompanying shoulders.

“Dude you are seriously invading my personal space right now I’m within my rights to press charges for sexual harassment.”
 
“Geez alright fuck no need to go to eleven there pal.”
 
“Whatever gets you to stop asshole, now I’m gonna be dizzy for the whole week…”

@Background Pony Number 17  
At least the diver isn’t hurting it, I hope.

The squishy part of the beluga’s head there is called its “melon”, and apparently it’s used for echolocation. I have to think that’s one seriously confused whale.

@sonicfan  
Because we’re curious?

Humans do the strangest things. Why did they want to squish its head again?

I bet Sweetie Belle first words would be Manaty instead of Rarity.

Squish da marshmallow.

@sTs  
As opposed to a figurative one?
 
Yes. Quite surprised it’s cool with that manhandling.

Is that a literal beluga whale?