Seaworld Orlando death mystery as newborn beluga whale dies in unexplained circumstances at the controversial theme park
The tragic animal was unusually weak despite its mother having a normal pregnancy, according to officials in Orlando, Florida
A BABY beluga whale tragically died shortly after birth at SeaWorld Orlando sparking an investigation into the cause of the death.
Born last week, the vulnerable calf was unusually weak and rose to the surface briefly before sinking to the bottom of the pool according to theme park officials, reports The Orlando Sentinel.
The calf’s mother was 17-year-old Whisper who remains healthy and is “active and alert”, according to its carers.
SeaWorld said animal care teams tried to revive the calf but were unable to save it.
The cause of the baby’s death remains unclear and officials said the pregnancy appeared normal.
A statement read: “Whisper received routine ultrasounds and health assessments to monitor her and the calf's progress throughout the pregnancy, which progressed as expected.
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“Additionally, there were no obvious signs of complications during labour and everything other wise [sic] appeared to progress normally.”
Park officials say they will run a full post-mortem examination, which could take several weeks before results are finalised.
Whisper has lived at the controversial Florida park since 2010.
SeaWorld Orlando cancelled its much-criticised orca-breeding program after the 2013 documentary Blackfish.
The acclaimed film publicised the death of animal trainer Dawn Brancheau who was killed by orca whale Tilikum.
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