Stranded baby beluga dies in Alaska

Jul 09, 2012 7:21

SEWARD, Alaska (AP) – A baby beluga whale that was believed to be just 2 days old when it was found stranded after a storm in Alaska’s Bristol Bay has died at a research aquarium where it received round-the-clock care by a team of marine mammal experts.

Officials at the Alaska SeaLife Center said that despite everyone’s best efforts, the whale died early Monday morning after it became evident Sunday that the young whale’s condition was declining. A full necropsy was to be performed later Monday.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of this beluga calf,” Tara Riemer Jones, the Seward center’s president and CEO, said in a statement.

Jones praised the care provided by marine mammal specialist from across the country. She said their knowledge allowed the center to provide the best care possible.

“There is more we will continue to learn about beluga whales as a result of this loss that will ultimately benefit beluga whales in the marine mammal … continue …

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