Vancouver's baby beluga is sick
Two-week old is weak and on antibiotics after abscess found

David Carrigg, The Province
Published: Monday, June 23, 2008

Vancouver's baby beluga is sick.

Just two weeks after the beluga was born at the Vancouver Aquarium the small marine mammal is weak, on antibiotics and has had an abscess drained near its tail.

Aquarium spokesman Kent Hurl said staff began noticing the beluga was weak on Sunday afternoon. "She has had a couple of episodes of weakness," Hurl said.

Aquarium vet Marty Haulena conducted a physical examination on Monday and discovered an infection-related abscess near the baby's tail.

The pus was drained from the abscess and the beluga was placed on twice a day oral antibiotics. "We hope the infection is from a local infection but there's a chance it indicates a systemic problem," Hurl said.

Bloodwork from the beluga has been sent to a laboratory for testing.

The baby beluga was born to 13-year-old captive born Qila on June 10 and has attracted worldwide attention and caused a dramatic spike in aquarium attendance. The aquarium also has a new poolside gift shop selling baby beluga souvenirs.

The baby had been doing well until Sunday, feeding regularly and roaming further from Qila within the confines of its tank.

Tuvaq, the last baby beluga born at the Aquarium, died at age 3 in July 2005.