Close X
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
ADVT 
National

Vancouver Aquarium's Beluga Whale Aurora Dies After Two Week Illness

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 26 Nov, 2016 03:09 PM
  • Vancouver Aquarium's Beluga Whale Aurora Dies After Two Week Illness
VANCOUVER — Sad news from the Vancouver Aquarium — the beluga whale name Aurora has died.
 
The Aquarium released a statement late Friday night that said Aurora was surrounded by people who loved her when she passed away.
 
The news came as somewhat of a shock, as Veterinarian Dr. Martin Haulena had said earlier Friday that Aurora was showing signs of improvement after undergoing a new treatment plan targeting her gastrointestinal tract. He had noted that she was more active and was again interacting with trainers.
 
Aurora had been stricken by an unknown illness since her offspring Qila (KEY'-la) died suddenly at the aquarium last week.
 
The 30-year-old beluga was moved to a medical pool for round-the-clock care more than a week ago.
 
Aurora was the only remaining beluga at the aquarium.
 
A necropsy will be conducted later today. 
 
 
ANIMAL WELFARE GROUPS CRITICIZE VANCOUVER AQUARIUM AFTER BELUGA WHALE DEATH
 
The Vancouver Aquarium is facing criticism from animal welfare groups after the second death of a beluga whale at the facility in just under two weeks.
 
The beluga called Aurora died late Friday evening after struggling with an unknown illness that became apparent immediately following the death of her offspring Qila 10 days earlier.
 
The non-profit ecology organization Lifeforce says the capture of whales should be banned, and the Vancouver Humane Society is calling for an end to holding cetaceans in captivity.
 
The humane society's communications director Peter Fricker says whales should be able to enjoy the freedom of the open ocean and keeping marine mammals in tanks is unnatural and cruel.
 
 
The whale Aurora was 30 years old and had lived at the aquarium since 1990. Her offspring Qila was the first beluga to be born in captivity in Canada in 1995.
 
The Vancouver Aquarium says in a news release about the death of Aurora that officials will not be providing comment Saturday while a necropsy is performed, and more details will likely be released on Sunday.

MORE National ARTICLES

'Misunderstanding' Over Site Of Remembrance Day Service Causes Uproar

'Misunderstanding' Over Site Of Remembrance Day Service Causes Uproar
SYDNEY, N.S. — A Cape Breton craft association and several local legions say they have been swept up in a nasty public spat that has generated threats and ill will over the location of a Remembrance Day service — all because of a misunderstanding.

'Misunderstanding' Over Site Of Remembrance Day Service Causes Uproar

CSIS Law-Breaking Shows Need For Stronger Parliamentary Oversight: NDP

CSIS Law-Breaking Shows Need For Stronger Parliamentary Oversight: NDP
OTTAWA — The NDP says revelations that Canada's lead spy agency illegally kept sensitive data for years underscores the need for stronger parliamentary oversight.

CSIS Law-Breaking Shows Need For Stronger Parliamentary Oversight: NDP

Senior Accused In Wife's Death To Undergo Another Month Of Testing

Senior Accused In Wife's Death To Undergo Another Month Of Testing
CALGARY — An 85-year-old man accused of murdering his wife appeared confused and agitated as he made a brief court appearance today.

Senior Accused In Wife's Death To Undergo Another Month Of Testing

Most Canadians Say Fallen Soldiers Should Be Honoured Beyond Remembrance Day

Most Canadians Say Fallen Soldiers Should Be Honoured Beyond Remembrance Day
A new poll suggests Canadians would like to see efforts to honour fallen soldiers extend well beyond Remembrance Day.

Most Canadians Say Fallen Soldiers Should Be Honoured Beyond Remembrance Day

Northeastern B.C. Resource Boom Harms Indigenous Women, Girls: Amnesty Report

Northeastern B.C. Resource Boom Harms Indigenous Women, Girls: Amnesty Report
VANCOUVER — A new report from Amnesty International says the resource boom in northeastern British Columbia is harming indigenous women and girls, and lays part of the blame on transient resource workers.

Northeastern B.C. Resource Boom Harms Indigenous Women, Girls: Amnesty Report

Telus Third-quarter Profit Slips Despite Revenue, Subscriber Growth

Telus Corp. (TSX:T) had a lower third-quarter profit despite higher revenue and continued subscriber growth, as expenses and accounting items took a bigger bite out of its earnings.

Telus Third-quarter Profit Slips Despite Revenue, Subscriber Growth