Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin strokes a Beluga whale named Dasha as he visits Chkalov island, 700 kilometres (440 miles) northeast of the city of Khabarovsk, July 31, 2009. Russian PM, a judo black belt who last year shot a tiger, on Friday demonstrated his softer side by donning a wet suit and tagging a whale. Picture taken July 31, 2009.[Chinadaily.com.cn via agencies]