A third beluga whale from Marineland in Canada has died at Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut after arriving at the venue in 2021.
In a statement, Mystic Aquarium said the beluga, named Kharabali, started swimming abnormally and was treated by veterinarians and the husbandry team.
However, the beluga’s unusual behaviour continued and she was moved to the holding pool and then the intensive care facility at the Aquatic Animal Study Center. Kharabali stayed at the centre for 11 days before she died.
“This loss weighs heavy on us, especially our animal care staff,” said a statement from Mystic Aquarium. “It is defeating and disheartening as the team works fiercely and with immense compassion to ensure these whales receive world-class care in sickness and health.”
“Our devoted veterinary and animal care teams spared no effort, dedicating the entirety of their expertise to Kharabali. They provided round-the-clock medical treatment, testing, 24-hour monitoring and consulted with experts worldwide,” the statement added.
“Despite intensive care for multiple health issues and all life-saving measures, she passed away in the company of the dedicated Mystic Aquarium team that had been by her side throughout.”
Kharabali is the third beluga whale to die at Mystic Aquarium after being transported there from Marineland. The first died of a preexisting medical issue in August 2021, the second of health issues in February last year.
Mystic Aquarium’s chief zoological officer, Allison Tuttle, said: “[Kharabali’s] spirit touched us all, and we are heartbroken by her passing.
Cause of Kharabali’s death unknown
“Kharabali received the utmost care and love during her time with us, and we will always cherish the moments we shared.”
The cause of Kharabali’s death is unknown until a necropsy is conducted.
Since 2019, 14 cetaceans have died at Marineland in Niagara Falls, according to a recent exposé by the Canadian Press. 13 of the 15 marine animals were beluga whales, another was Kiska, the park’s only orca, and another was a dolphin.
Since January 2020, inspectors from Ontario’s provincial animal welfare services have been to the park 160 times. The province said all of Marineland’s marine mammals were under distress.
Images courtesy of Mystic Aquarium
