Baby beluga sired by Vancouver Aquarium’s whale dies at SeaWorld

A baby beluga sired by a Vancouver Aquarium whale has died at SeaWorld in San Antonio, Texas.

SeaWorld released a statement Monday morning, saying the calf died on Sunday after weeks of intensive, “round the clock” care.

The three-week old calf was born about a month premature.

The calf was not gaining weight at the rate our veterinarians expected, even though it did nurse from its mother. To supplement those feedings, the animal care team hand fed her specialized marine mammal infant formula seven times a day. A necropsy will be performed, with results expected in six to eight weeks. Losing an animal in our care is never easy, and we thank everyone for their thoughts and support during this difficult time for our team.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: The calf was not gaining weight at the rate our veterinarians expected, even though it did nurse from its mother. To supplement those feedings, the animal care team hand fed her specialized marine mammal infant formula seven times a day. A necropsy will be performed, with results expected in six to eight weeks. Losing an animal in our care is never easy, and we thank everyone for their thoughts and support during this difficult time for our team.

The baby was conceived by Imaq, Vancouver Aquarium’s male beluga whale on loan to SeaWorld since 2011.

In February, Vancouver Aquarium beluga whale Nanuq that was on loan to SeaWorld in Orlando died from what is believed to be an infection associated with a fractured jaw.

The aquarium referred Global News request for comment to SeaWorld.