SeaWorld's beluga whale calf dies
Weeks after a beluga whale calf died at the Georgia Aquarium, another calf has died having lived for just 3 weeks at SeaWorld San Antonio. It is the second beluga whale death at SeaWorld this year following the loss of an adult male, Nanuq, at its Orlando park in February.
The calf was born one month prematurely and park staff had been supplementing its food in order to help it gain weight. A necropsy will be carried out to determine the cause of death.
This latest beluga whale death once again highlights the failure of marine parks to establish a successful beluga breeding programme. Georgia Aquarium, supported by SeaWorld, are currently involved in efforts to overturn a decision to stop them from importing 18 wild-caught belugas from Russia. WDC is supporting the US authorities to defend their original decision.
