A beluga whale at the Mystic Aquarium that has been undergoing care treatment died Friday morning.
According to the aquarium, the beluga, a female, was receiving 24/7 intensive care at the Aquatic Animal Study Center over the past several months for related health issues.
"Our team provided a continuum of world-class care to this whale for many months." Chief Zoological Officer Allison Tuttle said in a press release.
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"When an animal passes in the wild, it is the circle of life. When it happens at an aquarium, with an animal you have grown to know, care for 24/7 and adore, it is devastating.”
The whale was one of the five belugas that were transported from MarineLand in Canada in May of 2021 under a research permit.
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There are currently six other whales under care at the aquarium, one of which is also in the intensive care unit.