You can teach an old whale new tricks: 28-07-2008
Those travelling in Japan this summer are being treated to a show by some very talented and entertaining whales.
The beluga whales at Japan's largest aquarium have been taught the trick by scuba divers and seem to delight in showing off for tourists.
Divers at the Aquas aquarium in Hamada give the whales a breath of air from their regulator and instruct them to blow out with a clap of their hands.
Part of the act sometimes includes the whales blowing a bubble towards audience members watching through the viewing glass.
The three mammals, which can grow to 16 feet and live for up to 30 years also twist through hoops and juggle balls as part of the act.
Their natural habitat is the cold waters of the Arctic Ocean, where they are hunted by polar bears and killer whales as well as North American tribesmen.
As well as the belugas, there are 400 other species living at the Aquas aquarium.