The latest report showed that a 9-year-old Beluga whale died in an aquarium in Connecticut, showing strange behavior and underlying health issues. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is expected to inspect the recent deaths.
People were saddened after a young Beluga whale suddenly passed away at the Mystic Aquarium. The recent death marked the third death of said whales that were from Canada.
9 Years Old Beluga Whale Died in Connecticut
In 2021, the whales were transported to the aquarium. However, the young whale, known as Kharabali, showed signs of health decline. However, the Aquarium explained that they provided the best animal care.
Beluga whales are known as sociable animals, known as the canary of the sea. They love to eat salmon, mollusks, crabs and shrimp. In the Arctic, the population of Beluga whales holds importance for the indigenous people.
According to recent reports, Beluga whales suffer from climate change effects, ocean noise, habitat loss, oil exploration, global warming and predation.
Beluga whales are sociable animals that can swim fast. They are known for their rare vocals. In the Arctic, they are hunted by killer whales and polar bears.
In November, Kharabali was found swimming abnormally with strange behavior. The aquarium reported that the whale suffered from incurable conditions.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Agriculture discovered that whales showed care problems. The aquarium also reported that the third whale, Jetta, managed to recover.
In the news release, Dr. Allison Tuttle explained that Kharabali had the utmost care with them. Dr. Tuttle is also the chief zoological officer. The staff was alarmed by the strange behavior of the whale. The Beluga was moved to an intensive care facility before it passed away.
According to the aquarium, their vets provided 24-hour medical treatment and monitoring to the whale.
Beluga Whales: What You Should Know About Them
Beluga whales also known as Delphinapterus leucas can weigh an average of 3,150 pounds. At first, the beluga has a color dark grey as calves. When they start to grow, their skins begin to lighten.
They are also found in the Arctic Ocean, Alaska, Greenland, Canada and Russia. They are also in the deeper waters. Meanwhile, one of the concerns is the strandings or being stuck in shallow water.
Researchers also emphasized that climate change can impact the foraging behavior and reproduction of Beluga whales. Changing water temperatures can have environmental effects on their population.
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