Ailing beluga stumps vets following offspring’s sudden death
Posted November 18, 2016 1:53 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The condition of an ailing beluga whale at the Vancouver Aquarium appears to have stabilized, two days after her offspring unexpectedly died with similar signs of illness.
Aquarium CEO John Nightingale says Aurora is calmer and more alert today following her transfer to a medical pool on Thursday for round-the-clock care and supervision.
Officials say the 29-year-old animal, who isn’t eating, appears to be suffering from abdominal cramps and inflammation.
Caretakers are giving her fluids, along with antibiotics and stomach medication.
Qila was born at the aquarium 21 years ago and died suddenly earlier this week.
Opponents of whales being held in artificial environments say these events follow a long list of other captive beluga deaths and illustrate a need to ban the practice.