Beluga whale rescued in Alaska to be moved to SeaWorld San Antonio

Officials say a rescued Cook Inlet beluga whale soon will call SeaWorld San Antonio home.

The Peninsula Clarion reports National Marine Fisheries Serviceofficial Kate Brogan says the Texas location is the best fit for the whale named Tyonek which has become both nutritionally andsocially dependent and lacks the survival and socialization skillsthat are necessary for life in the wild.

The National Marine Fisheries Service in January began reviewingapplications for which facility would make the best, permanent home for the whale, which has been under care of experts from the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward since he was found in September in south-central Alaska.

Tyonek was less than a month old when he was rescued.

A specific date for Tyonek's move has not been set.