Mystic — Mystic Aquarium will host a major fundraiser on Aug. 19 in which the more than 200 people in attendance and others online will bid on numerous items, including the chance to name three of the aquarium's new beluga whales.

In announcing the event, the aquarium said it hopes to raise more than $3 million to support beluga research and care for its whales. The aquarium's research, which involves its seven whales, is aimed at generating information that can help protect endangered belugas in the wild. The aquarium said it costs millions of dollars annually to care for the whales.

During the live auction, attendees will be able to bid for the right to rename three of Mystic's new belugas. The right to name a fourth is being raffled off.

While the new whales already have names, the aquarium explained renaming them will not affect their ability to respond and advance with their training, as they communicate with trainers through physical motions.

In May, the aquarium transferred five whales — four females and one male — from Marineland Canada to Mystic after a controversial approval process in both countries. The male, which was being treated for gastric ulcers he developed before the transfer, died last week.

The live auction will be conducted by renowned New York City auctioneer Guernsey's, which has auctioned off items ranging from the contents of the SS United States ocean liner to the possessions of numerous celebrities, including Elvis Presley, Mickey Mantle and Princess Diana. Absentee and online bidding also will be available through LiveAuctioneers.com and Inclusive. The firm is known for auctioning types of items that have never been auctioned before.

"The importance of protecting endangered beluga whales cannot be overstated. It is an honor to be assisting the Mystic Aquarium and its noble goal of helping these wonderful animals," Guernsey's President Arlan Ettinger said in the aquarium's announcement of the event. "Bidding to name a whale must be a first in auction history."

Among the other auction items are a sailboat, motorboat, VIP tickets to Derek Jeter's induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, a Porsche Roadster and VIP experiences at Super Bowl LVI and Madison Square Garden. The event also will feature a live performance by The Wailers, Bob Marley's band.

Along with naming a whale, the three winners also will  get a private meet-and-greet experience with the belugas, a bronze statue commissioned by wildlife sculptor Dan Ostermiller, and a plaque installation outside the Arctic Coast exhibit.

To attend the gala, bid in absentia or discuss a potential donation, contact Guernsey's at (212) 794-2280 or  belugas@guernseys.com.