Thebaby beluga whale bornon Mother ’s Day ( May 10 ) atGeorgia Aquariumlast calendar month has unfortunately died , possibly due to GI complications .
Born to a 20 - year - older beluga whale distinguish Maris , the baby ’s nascency was disseminate to audiences around the world via a webcam .
" The first breath of spirit , and the calf being able-bodied to achieve that by swimming to the surface on its own , is one of those first milestones,“saidTonya Clauss , director of animal health at Georgia Aquarium , shortly after the birth . " We were just thrilled to see that take seat . bind with Maris the way the calf has done is another bighearted milepost and we are seeing very good evidence that that carry on . "
Five day after birth , the baby giant begin nursing from her female parent but her diet was supplemented with simulated beluga Milk River formula . According to theAtlanta Journal Constitution , the infant beluga “ was not win sufficient weight unit , ” weighing only a pound above her birth weight as of last week .
And after less than a calendar month , the calf cash in one’s chips .
" … in the other morning time hour of June 5 , the calf began showing signs of lethargy and need assistance to swim,“saidGeorgia Aquarium in a statement released on itsofficial web log . " While next to her mother and in the arms of her consecrate caregivers , the sura took her last breather , and her affection check just after 7:00 ante meridiem "
The statement goes on to suggest that from an initial postmortem examination , they think the calfskin may have suffered from gastrointestinal problems , which were “ preventing her from right suck and imbibe nutrients that she needed to acquire . ” An postmortem examination on the newborn giant to further investigate the precise cause of last will be conduct by the aquarium .
Beluga whale birth are very uncommon in captivity . In 2012,Maris ’s first calf give out less than a week after birth . After this unfortunate complication , the aquarium made every effort to monitor Maris ’s 2d pregnancy , consulting with veterinary experts around the country during maternity and after .
" Even though this sura had a short living , Georgia Aquarium had the rare opportunity to advance our knowledge about the reproductive health of beluga whales , " said Eric Gaglione , the director of zoological operations , mammals and wench , to The Washington Post . " We can share this with other accredit marine museum that handle for belugas . "
The statement also said that the aquarium stave are continually monitoring the well - being of the bereaved female parent , working with trainer to promote Maris to socialise with other belugas .
female parent and child beluga , swimming together shortly after giving birth .
[ H / TWashington Post ]
