Aurora, the Vancouver Aquarium beluga whale that had been battling a serious illness, passed away Friday night.
Aurora had been monitored by aquarium staff after her daughter, 21-year-old Qila, passed away on Nov. 16.
Like Qila did before she died, Aurora displayed symptoms such as abdominal cramping, loss of appetite and lethargy.
According to a Vancouver Aquarium statement, experts from around the world had been flown in to provide around-the-clock care, but despite their best efforts she passed away “surrounded by the people who loved her, some whom have cared for her since she first arrived in 1990.”
Aurora’s death comes after aquarium staff said she began showing signs of improvement.
WATCH: Aurora the beluga whale update
Aurora was 30 years old.
The Vancouver Aquarium said they will continue to investigate what caused Qila and Aurora’s sudden illness. A necropsy will be performed Saturday.
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