Aquarium's new baby isn't doing too well
David Carrigg
The Province
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Vancouver's baby beluga is sick.
Just two weeks after the calf was born at the Vancouver Aquarium, the newborn marine mammal is weak, on antibiotics and has had an abscess drained near its tail.
Aquarium spokesman Kent Hurl said staff noticed the beluga was weak on Sunday afternoon.
"She has had a couple of episodes of weakness," Hurl said.
Aquarium veterinarian Marty Haulena did a physical examination yesterday and discovered an abscess near the baby's tail.
The pus was drained from the abscess and the beluga was put on twice-a-day oral antibiotics.
The mammal is now under observation.
"We hope the infection is from a local infection but there's a chance it indicates a systemic problem," Hurl said.
Blood work from the beluga has been sent to a laboratory for testing.
The 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 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, a beluga born at the aquarium in 2002, died at age three in July 2005.
In all, five captive-born whales have died at the aquarium.
© The Vancouver Province 2008