The Vancouver Aquarium has contacted police and marine experts worldwide to investigate the deaths of two beluga whales – a mother and calf – within two weeks, aquarium officials say.
Thirty-year-old Aurora died Nov. 25, nine days after the death of her 21-year-old calf, Qila — the first beluga whale conceived and born in captivity at a Canadian aquarium.
Dr. Nightingale notes 360-degree review of operations and establishing expert panel of pathologists + forensics to determine what happened. pic.twitter.com/KltKnvud8h
— Vancouver Aquarium (@vanaqua) November 28, 2016
Possible causes of the mysterious deaths examined by the experts include the animals’ food, an infection or even poisoning.
Vancouver Aquarium president Dr. John Nightingale says it appears the deaths are connected.
“We’re still seeking clarity as to why the two whales displayed similar symptoms during the very sudden onset of their illnesses,” he said.
Necropsies have so far failed to pinpoint a cause of death.
Chief veterinarian Dr. Martin Haulena, however, said Aurora had significant liver damage.
“The liver was dramatically compromised, although interestingly enough that did not show up on any blood work that we did on Aurora, and we had blood work done every day,” said Haulena.
“The most likely culprit for this is a virus or a toxin given the course of disease and the lack of significant findings in clinical diagnostics [and] early postmortem results.”
He said “toxin” is a broad term that includes toxins from bacteria, inorganic toxins or “possibly introduced toxins as well.”
When asked directly if it was possible the whales could have been poisoned Haulena replied, “Right now we have no obvious sign of mortality … I will stress that nothing is off the table now.”
The deaths of Aurora and Qila have reignited debate over the future of cetaceans at the Vancouver Aquarium. Vancouver Park Board Chair Sarah Kirby-Yung introduced a notice of motion on Monday to bring forward a proposal for a plebiscite in the 2018 municipal election on the controversial issue.
With files from CBC News
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