Animal welfare groups criticize Vancouver Aquarium after beluga whale death
VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Aquarium is facing criticism from animal welfare groups after the second death of a beluga whale at the facility in just under two weeks.
The beluga called Aurora died late Friday evening after struggling with an unknown illness that became apparent immediately following the death of her offspring Qila 10 days earlier.
The 30-year-old whale was showing symptoms of abdominal cramping, loss of appetite and lethargy but earlier in the day Friday, veterinarian Dr. Martin Haulena said there were signs Aurora was improving.
A statement from the Vancouver Aquarium said the marine mammal care team had worked relentlessly to treat the whale and are heartbroken by her death.