Another Beluga Whale Critically Ill At Mystic Aquarium

MYSTIC, CT — One of the five beluga whales transported to Mystic Aquarium from Marineland in Canada in May 2021 is in critical condition, according to a statement from Mystic Aquarium. Two of the other whales died previously.

Mystic Aquarium said in a statement: "Sadly, it is with a heavy heart that we must share the news of the critical condition of another one of our beloved beluga whales who joined us from Marineland. Despite the dedicated efforts of our veterinary and animal care teams, we find ourselves in a challenging moment and seek all the prayers, good vibes, and community support that our Mystic Aquarium family can offer."

The whale is receiving "round-the-clock care, with every conceivable measure being taken to address its health concerns."

The whales were transported from Marineland which faced "numerous challenges and much scrutiny recently, including the passing of animals, concerns about water quality, etc.," according to Mystic Aquarium.

Mystic Aquarium has also faced challenges caring for the beluga whales. An animal welfare group accused the aquarium of a "serious violation" of the federal Animal Welfare Act, and a USDA investigation into the death of one of the whales in 2021 was critical of the aquarium's response.

However, Mystic Aquarium said that the beluga whales arrived with preexisting conditions. The whale that died in 2021 was suffering from a gastrointestinal condition.

Another of the beluga whales transferred from Marineland, Jetta, has "successfully returned to the main habitat where she is now thriving after a year in critical care," the aquarium noted.

Mystic Aquarium’s Arctic Coast is the largest outdoor beluga whale habitat in the United States at 750,000 gallons, according to the aquarium's website. Beluga whales are found solely in the Northern Hemisphere and inhabit the cold waters of the Arctic Ocean and subarctic regions.