Beluga whale dies at Mystic Aquarium
STONINGTON — Mystic Aquarium said one of five Beluga whales it brought to the facility from Canada three months ago has died.
In an Instagram post, the aquarium said the male Beluga whale died Friday morning. The animal had arrived at the facility with a gastrointestinal condition. The aquarium said staff had provided him with “round-the-clock medical treatment, testing, and 24-hour monitoring,” and the animal had shown signs of improvement before his death.
“This is a devastating loss for our staff and for the community, especially the animal care team who works closely with the belugas,” the statement from the aquarium said.
“We appreciate your support and your respect for the Mystic Aquarium family during this difficult time,” the statement said. “Our hearts are heavy, but we are dedicated to our mission.”
The animals began arriving in Mystic from Marineland in Canada in May. The process was delayed after a Connecticut animal rights group filed a lawsuit in federal court attempting to halt the transfer, claiming the animals would be under distress in captivity.
The five whales were introduced to the aquarium’s existing pod of three whales in June. The two groups had been separated from one another in order to allow them to become acclimated to one another.