A beluga whale born in the Georgia Aquarium less than a month ago has passed away, despite initially showing progress. The calf was carefully watched and analyzed throughout its brief life, but little could be done to save it. The little whale filled staff members with optimism when it swam to the surface on its own, and then successfully began to nurse from its mother. Maris, the newborn beluga’s mother, formed a bond to the calf, a milestone event in the life of a developing whale.
Newborn whale was failing to gain weight.
The aquarium staff began noticing alarming signs of poor health in the baby beluga whale soon after she began nursing. She was failing to gain nearly any weight, and weighed in at only a pound more than her birth weight last week. The handlers responsible for her did their best by feeding her a concoction similar to beluga milk in addition to the milk she was already getting from her mother.
Whale calf’s health further deteriorated after.
Early morning on June 5th, the beluga whale baby showed signs of weakness, and even needed help swimming. She took her last breath next to her mother, in the hands of the caregivers who had tried so hard to save her. The infant whale’s heart beat for the last time just after 7:00 AM that morning.
What was the cause of death?
According to preliminary diagnostics, the most likely cause of death was gastrointestinal problems. The calf was unable to properly absorb the nutrients required for energy and growth, and no one could do much about it. Aquarium staff had tried to consult with veterinary experts from around the country on the topic of saving the newborn, but to no avail. A full autopsy on her body will most likely find the cause of her demise and eventual death.
What about the mother?
The handlers at Georgia Aquarium are now worried about the trauma Maris has suffered. They are working to make sure that she is socializing with others of her species like a healthy beluga whale should. The way mother whales respond, perhaps emotionally, in these situations, is both heartbreaking and an excellent reminder of how intelligent these giants of the oceans really are.
