Beluga Whale From Connecticut Aquarium Dies Weeks After Being Spotted Swimming Abnormally

The staff at Mystic Aquarium grieve the passing of another whale. They announced that a Beluga whale passed away earlier this week.

Beluga Whale at Mystic Aquarium Dies

The Mystic Aquarium announced that Kharabali, a Beluga whale, died Tuesday. The death came just weeks after Kharabali was declared sick.

"This loss weighs heavily on us, especially our animal care staff. It is defeating and disheartening as the team works fiercely and with immense compassion to ensure these whales receive world-class care in sickness and health," the Aquarium said in a statement.

The aquarium staff first observed something strange about Kharabali's swimming in November. She was reportedly swimming abnormally. When veterinarians performed blood work on the whale, the outcomes were inconsistent.

Concern among caretakers and veterinarians increased as her aberrant conduct persisted. After that, she was brought to an intensive care unit to receive care.

A team of veterinarians and animal care specialists went above and beyond, giving Kharabali their expertise. They offered 24-hour monitoring, testing, and medical care around the clock and consulting with specialists worldwide. Kharabali was well taken care of, and she died with the devoted Mystic Aquarium team at her side.

In a separate statement, Mystic Aquarium's chief zoological officer, Allison Tuttle, offered a moving tribute to the Beluga that once touched their lives.

"Her spirit touched us all, and we are heartbroken by her passing," she said.

Kharabali is the third whale to die in the Aquarium since 2021. Havana passed away in February 2022, while Havok passed away in August 2021.

What Are the Signs That Whales Are Sick?

When marine animals are not well, it becomes evident in their manner of swimming. In Kharabali's case, the staff noticed that she was swimming abnormally weeks before she died.

Here are some signs whales are sick, according to one user on Quora.

Behavior changes: Compared to a healthy whale shark, a sick one may be less energetic or interested in feeding.

Lesions or skin abnormalities: Open wounds, discolored patches, or other skin abnormalities may also indicate a medical condition.

Appetite loss: If a shark is not eating or is not eating as much as it usually does, it may be ill.

Respiratory distress: A whale may be ill if it has trouble breathing or its breathing patterns are strange.

Swims abnormally: A sick whale may struggle to swim or exhibit an unusual swim pattern.

Fluid or discharge from the eyes or gills: A whale shark may be ill if a visible fluid or discharge comes from the eyes or gills.

Loss of weight: A whale could be ill if it appears noticeably thinner than normal.

Notably, these indications may also point to other conditions like parasite infection, stress, or damage. But it's crucial to remember that a licensed veterinarian or marine scientist may do a physical examination and laboratory testing to ascertain whether a whale shark is ill.

Check out more news and information on Sharks in Science Times.