Mystic Aquarium Beluga Whale Now In Stable Condition

MYSTIC, CT — A beluga whale that recently became critically ill is now in "stable, but guarded condition," according to a statement from Mystic Aquarium. The female is one of five beluga whales transferred in May from challenging circumstances at a Canadian facility.

"While it is too early to be optimistic, there have been incremental improvements in the whale’s white blood count, overall gastric health, appetite, and stabilization of her weight. We are by no means out of the woods and we have a long way to go before we can say there has been a significant recovery," said Dr. Stephen M. Coan, president and CEO of Mystic Aquarium.

"We have flown in beluga and cetacean experts from around the country to assist our veterinary staff, and our team continues to make every possible effort to improve the whale’s condition," said Coan.

The beluga was one of five whales imported from Marineland in Canada as part of a research initiative to help save endangered populations of beluga whales from extinction. One of the five, a male beluga with a preexisting gastrointestinal condition, died earlier this month.

See related: Beluga Whale Transferred From Canada To Mystic Aquarium Dies

A preliminary report from the necropsy has revealed extensive underlying health complications present in the male beluga including a deformed heart, according to the aquarium's statement. Those conditions include a deformed heart.

"The health issues outlined in the report would have been undetectable by attending veterinarians at the time of the transport and following his arrival at Mystic Aquarium," the statement reads. The whale's cause of death has yet to be determined.

Aquarium scientists and the veterinarian team said that the situation with the deceased male and the ill female are very different. Health assessments have not revealed any indication of a transmissible illness or direct link between their conditions.

All of the other belugas at the habitat are in good health.