A Vancouver Aquarium beluga whale that was on loan to SeaWorld in Orlando has died.
SeaWorld says Nanuq, who is estimated to be between 31 and 32 years old, passed away yesterday.
A post-mortem examination has been scheduled, but the results are not expected for six to eight weeks.
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While the cause of his death is not yet known, SeaWorld says Nanuq was being treated by their veterinarians for an infection associated with a fractured jaw, an injury that resulted from an interaction between two animals that were part of a compatible social group.
Nanuq was transferred from Vancouver to SeaWorld in 1997.
Seaworld has been at the centre of ongoing controversy since the release of the film Blackfish, which is highly critical of the facility.
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