If you've ever wanted to pet a Beluga whale, Chicago's Shedd Aquarium has a deal for you.

Under a new, limited program, Shedd visitors willing to shell out $200 apiece can get into a whale pool and have a hands-on experience with one of the Belugas, touching and patting it. They can even reach into its mouth to scratch its tongue, which is something the whales really like.

The lakeshore aquarium quietly started its "Beluga Encounter" program July 4 in its Oceanarium.

The encounters are offered just three days a week, one session on Tuesday and two apiece on Fridays and Saturdays, with three to six people allowed to participate in each session.

The entire experience takes roughly two hours, including 30 minutes in the pool with the whales.