These adorable pictures show the moment a close-knit group of beluga whales gave their trainers the run around by squirting water into their faces . After splashing about together in the water , some of the mischievous whales were seen bursting out of the water - only to plant a kiss on the forehead of one of their carers . The striking creatures were rescued by Primorskiy Sea Mammal Research Centre in Vladivostock , south east Russia , after they were found either injured or orphaned in the wild . Splash : A playful group of beluga whales leap from the water to spray water up into the air , even targeting their trainers . Having a whale of a time : The marine mammals looked to be having fun as they frolicked in their enclosure in south eastern Russia . Pucker up : One of the white belugas leaps out of the ice cold water to plant a kiss on to the forehead of one of its carers . The striking creatures were rescued by Primorskiy Sea Mammal Research Centre in Vladivostock , south east Russia , after they were found either injured or orphaned in the wild . Known for their friendly nature , the belugas have developed an incredible bond with their carers , as displayed in these heart-warming photographs taken during feeding time by Russian photographer Youri Smityuk . Located in a bay on the western coast of the Sea of Japan , the striking whales live in an enclosure that uses the same waters as their natural habitat in the Arctic Ocean . Rarely seen in the wild , the astonishing images show a lighter side to the mysterious marine mammals . Mr Smityuk said : 'These animals really are this friendly , I was surprised at how strong the bond was between the whales and trainers . Give us a kiss : Known for their friendly nature , the beluga whales have developed an incredible bond with their carers . Standing tall : The whales have a remarkable ability to rise from the water and , despite being mischievous , follow their trainers ' orders . Rarely seen in the wild , the astonishing images show a lighter side to the mysterious marine mammals , of which there are less than 80,000 less worldwide . The whales have a small , blunt head with a small beak , tiny eyes and thick layers of blubber , as well as singular blowhole which can be used to squirt water . 'The trainers even told me that at times , it is the animals that try to get their attention , not the other way around . 'They are trying to help preserve sea life at the centre , their research with help protect the species in the years to come . Many of the animals were rescued after being found injured , sick or in some cases taken in after their mothers were found dead . 'These animals are very talkative and can be pretty loud , they even have the nickname 'sea canary birds ' because they 'talk ' so much . 'It was heart-warming to watch the animals playing with so much energy , they are extremely intelligent creatures . 'There is much to learn about these animals as they still quite mysterious but it was an amazing experience to be able to get so close to them . ' Vying for attention : Two beluga whales burst out of the water to grab the attention of their trainer during feeding time . Mischievous : Belugas are often known as 'sea canaries ' because of their songs and chatter , which can be heard above water . Located in a bay on the western coast of the Sea of Japan , the striking whales live in an enclosure that uses the same waters as their natural habitat in the Arctic Ocean . Belugas , which means 'white one ' in Russian , are a small , toothed type of whale that turn white as an adult . They have a small , blunt head with a small beak , tiny eyes and thick layers of blubber , as well as singular blowhole which can be used to squirt water . It is estimated that there are about 40,000 to 80,000 beluga whales world-wide . They are often known as 'sea canaries ' because of their songs and chatter , which can be heard above water . Belugas mostly eat fish , squid , crustaceans and octopi , and have 34 teeth designed not for chewing , but for grabbing and tearing prey .
Group of rescued beluga whales were seen playing together in their enclosure in Vladivostock , south east Russia . Mischievous marine mammals burst from the water to plant a kiss on the forehead of one of their trainers . The group was taken into captivity by Russian fishermen after being found stranded off Russia's southern coast last year and released back into the wild two years later.