Beluga on Loan from Vancouver Aquarium Dies at SeaWorld

(Photo Credit: Vancouver Aquarium)

Update 2:30 p.m.: Vancouver Aquarium has commented on Nanuq's passing, saying that their staff and volunteers are "deeply saddened" by the beluga's death at SeaWorld Orlando.

"As part of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s Marine Mammal Taxon advisory group, Vancouver Aquarium works closely with other accredited aquariums to manage the genetic diversity of belugas in human care," reads the statement from Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre. "Under a cooperative philosophy, each facility manages its own animals and each provides exceptional care."

The centre says that the beluga whales in the Vancouver Aquarium are critical for conservation research and awareness, saying that Nanuq's offspring, Qila, currently "contributes to education and conservation efforts, as well as research that may one day assist in saving wild belugas."

Nanuq originally came from the Western Hudson Bay beluga population, where belugas have an average lifespan of 15 years, though some individuals have reached up to 40 and 50 years.

Original Story:

A male beluga whale that was on loan from Vancouver Aquarium has passed at SeaWorld Orlando.

The Florida park announced the death of Nanuq on Friday from unknown causes. However, the whale, whose estimated age was 31 or 32 years old, was being treated at the time for an infection from a fractured jaw by SeaWorld veterinarians. SeaWorld says that this injury was caused by “an interaction between two animals that were part of a compatible social group”.

Nanuq at SeaWorld. (Photo Credit: SeaWorld Orlando)

Nanuq has been at SeaWorld since 1997 on loan from Vancouver Aquarium. “Nanuq was a wonderful whale and dearly loved by his trainers and our vets, as well as guests,” says SeaWorld Orlando. “Nanuq will be greatly missed by all of us at SeaWorld. Please keep him in your thoughts.”

The post-mortem has been scheduled, but SeaWorld says that the results aren't expected for six to eight weeks.

Vancouver Aquarium still holds Nanuq's daughter Qila, who in 1995 was the first beluga born and conceived in a Canadian aquarium.