Mystic Aquarium Beluga Whale Dies

MYSTIC, CT — A beluga whale in the care of the Mystic Aquarium has died, it was announced Friday afternoon.

"With deep sadness, we announce that a beluga whale undergoing treatment in our intensive care facility at the Aquatic Animal Study Center habitat at Mystic Aquarium died early this morning," a news release from the Aquarium reads.

The female whale was one of five belugas transported from MarineLand in Canada spring under a research permit. In August 2021, one of those five died of a disease in its intestine that prevented it from processing nutrients. Currently, there are six belugas in the care of the aquarium with one in intensive care.

The aquarium says the belugas at the facility contribute to vital research that will help critically endangered beluga populations in the wild and preserve the species.

"Despite receiving 24/7 intensive care over the past several months for multiple health issues and all life-saving efforts made earlier this morning, the female beluga passed in the company of the Mystic Aquarium team," the aquarium said.

"Veterinarians and animal care experts at Mystic Aquarium, with the support of veterinarians and animal husbandry members from other aquariums worldwide, devoted the full capacity of their expertise to the whale, providing round-the-clock medical treatment, testing, and 24-hour monitoring."

The cause of her death will not be known until a full necropsy is completed, per the aquarium.

“Our team provided a continuum of world-class care to this whale for many months,” Aquarium Chief Zoological Officer Allison Tuttle said. “When an animal passes in the wild, it is the circle of life. When it happens at an Aquarium, with an animal you have grown to know, care for 24/7 and adore, it is devastating.”

Mystic Aquarium has addressed issues raised by the U.S. Department of Agriculture during a regulatory inspection last Fall. The inspection report cited the Aquarium in five areas, including communication between veterinarians and animal husbandry staff on the night the first whale died, handling of, and facilities accommodations for animals with vision challenges, shade for animals, and fluctuations in certain water quality variables.

“The Animal Welfare Act is vital to protecting wildlife and animals under human care,” Dr. Stephen M. Coan, President and CEO of Mystic Aquarium, said. “Inspections, investigations when an animal dies, and accreditation processes are essential learning tools to advance the care and welfare of animals. We are constantly seeking to evolve and learn in our mission to provide the best possible care for animals.”

Of the six other whales at the Mystic Aquarium, five are healthy and residing in the Arctic Coast habitat.

“I want to thank our veterinary care staff, the many consulting veterinarians from around the world, our animal care team, and so many in our community who work so hard to care for our animals,” Coan said. “The loss of an animal is devastating to our team and indicative of the challenges that we face in advancing research for the well-being and survival of beluga whales in the wild.”