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.”
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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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