Captive Beluga Whales in the U.S. & Canada

14 whales, one dolphin have died at Marineland since 2019: ministry documents | National Post

I am working to clean up the population list for the belugas at Marineland. The last list I had has 42 individuals (15.27). The article above states there are currently 37 whales (9.28). It is possible one of the whales in the list was mislabeled male or there could have been another birth that was not announced. Appears that 6 males may have died since the last list. If anyone can confirm (sources appreciated) any changes to the list below, your help is appreciated!


MarineLand Canada (15.27) ***OUTDATED LIST***

Andre M (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Orion M (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Tofino M (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Tuktoyaktuk M (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Tank M (UNKNOWN x Acadia) (b 09/30/2011)
Frankie M (Andre x Sierra) (b 06/11/2012)
Xavier II M (UNKNOWN x Xena) (b 06/24/2012)
Cyprus M (Andre or Kodiak x Cleopatra) (b 2016)
Jasper M (Andre or Kodiak x Meeka) (b 07/18/2016)
Balor M (Andre or Kodiak x Peekachu) (b 07/21/2016)
Yukon M (UNKNOWN x Aurora) (b 07/2018)
Odin M (UNKNOWN x Oriris) (b 07/2018)
Bertie M (UNKNOWN x Jelly Bean) (b 2019)
Gimli M (UNKNOWN x Secord) (b 08/2019)
Zephyr M (UNKNOWN x Rain) (b 08/11/2019)
Gemini F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Xena F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Isis F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Caspian F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Cleopatra F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Jubilee F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Osiris F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Sierra F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Kelowna F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Peekachu F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Skyla F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Jelly Bean F (UNKNOWN x Jubilee) (b 07/19/2007)
Acadia F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Aurora F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Lillooet F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Meeka F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Rain F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Secord F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Eve F (UNKNOWN x Xena) (b 07/05/2008)
Mira F (Andre x Oceanna) (b 07/13/2009)
Neva F (UNKNOWN x Cleopatra) (b 07/23/2009)
Qila F (Andre or Belyi x Isis) (b 06/06/2010)
Ruby F (Tuk x Meeka) (b 07/2013)
Ivy F (UNKNOWN x Rose) (b 07/21/2014)
Nahanni F (Andre or Kodiak x Lillooet) (b 07/21/2015)
Eos F (Tuk x Eve) (b 09/27/2017)
Calypso F (UNKNOWN x Gemini) (b 07/04/2018)
 
MidwestFan said:
14 whales, one dolphin have died at Marineland since 2019: ministry documents | National Post

I am working to clean up the population list for the belugas at Marineland. The last list I had has 42 individuals (15.27). The article above states there are currently 37 whales (9.28). It is possible one of the whales in the list was mislabeled male or there could have been another birth that was not announced. Appears that 6 males may have died since the last list. If anyone can confirm (sources appreciated) any changes to the list below, your help is appreciated!


MarineLand Canada (15.27) ***OUTDATED LIST***

Andre M (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Orion M (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Tofino M (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Tuktoyaktuk M (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Tank M (UNKNOWN x Acadia) (b 09/30/2011)
Frankie M (Andre x Sierra) (b 06/11/2012)
Xavier II M (UNKNOWN x Xena) (b 06/24/2012)
Cyprus M (Andre or Kodiak x Cleopatra) (b 2016)
Jasper M (Andre or Kodiak x Meeka) (b 07/18/2016)
Balor M (Andre or Kodiak x Peekachu) (b 07/21/2016)
Yukon M (UNKNOWN x Aurora) (b 07/2018)
Odin M (UNKNOWN x Oriris) (b 07/2018)
Bertie M (UNKNOWN x Jelly Bean) (b 2019)
Gimli M (UNKNOWN x Secord) (b 08/2019)
Zephyr M (UNKNOWN x Rain) (b 08/11/2019)
Gemini F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Xena F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Isis F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Caspian F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Cleopatra F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Jubilee F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Osiris F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Sierra F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Kelowna F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Peekachu F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Skyla F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Jelly Bean F (UNKNOWN x Jubilee) (b 07/19/2007)
Acadia F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Aurora F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Lillooet F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Meeka F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Rain F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Secord F (WILD x WILD) (b UNKNOWN)
Eve F (UNKNOWN x Xena) (b 07/05/2008)
Mira F (Andre x Oceanna) (b 07/13/2009)
Neva F (UNKNOWN x Cleopatra) (b 07/23/2009)
Qila F (Andre or Belyi x Isis) (b 06/06/2010)
Ruby F (Tuk x Meeka) (b 07/2013)
Ivy F (UNKNOWN x Rose) (b 07/21/2014)
Nahanni F (Andre or Kodiak x Lillooet) (b 07/21/2015)
Eos F (Tuk x Eve) (b 09/27/2017)
Calypso F (UNKNOWN x Gemini) (b 07/04/2018)
Click to expand...

As I previously mentioned in the Marineland thread; Andre to Jasper are confirmed for Friendship Cove (9 males).

While Yukon to Zephyr (5 males) are confirmed for Arctic Cove due to their ages & still being with their moms, and based on conversations with caregivers when I visited in June.
 
MidwestFan said:
14 whales, one dolphin have died at Marineland since 2019: ministry documents | National Post

I am working to clean up the population list for the belugas at Marineland. The last list I had has 42 individuals (15.27). The article above states there are currently 37 whales (9.28). It is possible one of the whales in the list was mislabeled male or there could have been another birth that was not announced. Appears that 6 males may have died since the last list. If anyone can confirm (sources appreciated) any changes to the list below, your help is appreciated!
Click to expand...

So, the correct sex distribution at Marineland should be 14.23.0 (37 total whales).
- 9 males at Friendship Cove (Frankie, Orion, Jasper, Xavier, Tuktoyaktuk, Andre, Tank, Cyprus, Tofino)
- 5 male juveniles at Arctic Cove (Yukon, Odin, Bertie, Gimli & Zephyr)

Balor (M) would be missing? And 4 females missing from your original numbers
 
CetaBase said:
So, the correct sex distribution at Marineland should be 14.23.0 (37 total whales).
- 9 males at Friendship Cove (Frankie, Orion, Jasper, Xavier, Tuktoyaktuk, Andre, Tank, Cyprus, Tofino)
- 5 male juveniles at Arctic Cove (Yukon, Odin, Bertie, Gimli & Zephyr)

Balor (M) would be missing? And 4 females missing from your original numbers
Click to expand...

Apologies for the late reply, but yes I’d say so. From what I know Ivy’s status has also been unknown since 2020/2021(and is reflected in cetabase) , so reduce the 4 females to 3 :(

It’s only my opinion but I do wish the general public were more sensitive to the situation, and for ML to be more transparent.

Marineland in previous years lost on average 2-4 animals per year, which was offset by births. And while they will continue to house belugas; it’s inevitable that they face an eventual attrition of the pods due to grandfathering and the breeding ban. I do note that when I read the documents/news it notably left out 2022, which does mean no [beluga] passings occured that year at least.
While they would continue to be cared for, and investment in their veterinary care & habitats in general, there’s bound to be no major upgrades or new habitats due to the inevitable future of cetaceans in Canada.
 
On another note as well; I do think there might be beluga moves in North America if possible.

Georgia needs a male; Klondike is a hypothetical contender as a mate for Whisper, Qinu and eventually Shila. Any Canadian whales are almost impossible to bring in, and it’s a catch 22 if they are barred from breeding as part of import conditions.

The SWSD pod, to me, is a retirement pod between Allua and Ferdinand, so moving Naya (due to her breeding history) there could be beneficial, making room at Shedd too.
Plus while SWO has a bachelor pod of 2, they need more capacity to house more belugas.
 
csartie said:
He died June 10th, according to a document released in an FOIA request

I'm sure Ceta Base or another reliable source will share that information and the circumstances leading up to his death soon
Click to expand...

Grayson's cause of death is reported as lysosomal storage disease (source, MMIR)
https://www.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-09/NIMM_MMIRS_09_11_2023.xlsx

Some background on the condition in general:

A lysosomal storage disease has been seen in multiple beluga whales (Fig. 22.10A, B). The condition is associated with reduced cognitive function. The lesions include neuron expansion and filling of the neurons with lysosomal lamellar bodies. To date, affected animals have all been adults. Investigations focus on determination of the enzyme deficit and determination of the etiology as genetic or acquired.

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7150327/#:~:text=Lysosomal%20storage%20disease%20in%20a,animals%2C%20amyloidosis%20occurs%20in%20cetaceans.
 
Aelita said:
Apologies for the late reply, but yes I’d say so. From what I know Ivy’s status has also been unknown since 2020/2021(and is reflected in cetabase) , so reduce the 4 females to 3 :(

It’s only my opinion but I do wish the general public were more sensitive to the situation, and for ML to be more transparent.

Marineland in previous years lost on average 2-4 animals per year, which was offset by births. And while they will continue to house belugas; it’s inevitable that they face an eventual attrition of the pods due to grandfathering and the breeding ban. I do note that when I read the documents/news it notably left out 2022, which does mean no [beluga] passings occured that year at least.
While they would continue to be cared for, and investment in their veterinary care & habitats in general, there’s bound to be no major upgrades or new habitats due to the inevitable future of cetaceans in Canada.
Click to expand...

No problem at all, I don't check this thread as often as I should. I also had that Aurora may be missing as well, I have a note as "possibly missing since 2018" but I can't find a source for that to save my life.

Do you think that the current habitats at MLC are enough for the belugas, now that Kiska has passed on? Or is it simply a matter of the age of these habitats?
 
CetaBase said:
No problem at all, I don't check this thread as often as I should. I also had that Aurora may be missing as well, I have a note as "possibly missing since 2018" but I can't find a source for that to save my life.

Do you think that the current habitats at MLC are enough for the belugas, now that Kiska has passed on? Or is it simply a matter of the age of these habitats?
Click to expand...

Odd. Aurora is still around though.
The current habitats are enough I’d say; size is only one factor with animal care. Both coves are some of the biggest. They did use the stadium for a few years; 2012-2021, for belugas as well.
This link I’ve bookmarked for a few years has a volume chart;
Simply Killer Whales
I would personally like to see in habitat enrichment other than the EEDs/toys. Plus scales and shaded areas too.

Friendship Cove is 25 years old, built 1998, and Arctic Cove is 20 years old. So they’re not old habitats but not new as well.
 
CetaBase said:
Grayson's cause of death is reported as lysosomal storage disease (source, MMIR)
https://www.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-09/NIMM_MMIRS_09_11_2023.xlsx

Some background on the condition in general:

A lysosomal storage disease has been seen in multiple beluga whales (Fig. 22.10A, B). The condition is associated with reduced cognitive function. The lesions include neuron expansion and filling of the neurons with lysosomal lamellar bodies. To date, affected animals have all been adults. Investigations focus on determination of the enzyme deficit and determination of the etiology as genetic or acquired.

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7150327/#:~:text=Lysosomal%20storage%20disease%20in%20a,animals%2C%20amyloidosis%20occurs%20in%20cetaceans.
Click to expand...
Unfortunate with another storage disease case :(
I hope that Qinu, Oliver, Atla and Pearl get genetically tested as they’re all half siblings via their father Nanuq, to Grayson.
 
CetaBase said:
Kharabali has died at Mystic, sometime in December 2023.

turnto10.com/news/local/mystic-aquarium-mourns-loss-beloved-beluga-whale-marineland-animal-vet-care-health-complications-death-abnormal-swimming-december-12-2023

www.facebook.com/mysticaquarium/posts/pfbid02GjcMb6WsM1RWwZfb48WgH3kBhRF4ds45SXdUAD6JovDjhhyzLCXmxba585YirC8ml
Click to expand...
Unfortunate to hear of her passing, hurts even more as her father also passed away this year too :(

I do have to wonder if there are differences with this transfer and the SeaWorld transfer in 2006-2008; Juno, Aurek, Klondike and Maple are all well adjusted at their respective facilities.
 
Sydney said:
Ferdinand has passed away at SeaWorld San Diego. He was the oldest beluga whale in human care and was 53 years old.
Click to expand...
This is so sad to hear, an amazing beluga to interact with. I just saw him 1 week ago today, he was participating in a session with his old man low energy behaviors. But he looked good. He was a great ambassador for his species.
 
A tough week for belugas in the US, here is the updated list. Hopefully there are some announced pregnancies at SWT and Shedd. I wouldn't be surprised to see some movement between facilities soon as well.

SWT (6.5)
Crissy F (est 1988)
Martha F (est 1988)
Naluark M (est 1986)
Luna F (b 07/24/2000)
Samson M (b 07/09/2013)
Kenai M (b 08/11/2016)
Innik M (b 08/17/2017)
Tyonek M (b 2017)
Atla F (b 06/23/2010)
Pearl F (b 06/23/2010)
Tulok M (b 07/25/2021)

SWF (2.0)
Oliver M (b 06/23/2007)
Nunavik M (b 12/14/2009)

SWC (1.1)
Allua F (est 1985)
Klondike M (b 07/13/2002)

Mystic (1.4)
Natasha F (est 1980)
Kelalukak F (est 1981)
Juno M (b 07/06/2002)
Jetta F (b 07/17/2014)
Sahara F (b 07/23/2014)

Georgia (0.4)
Whisper F (b 07/25/1999)
Maple F (b 07/02/2005)
Qinu F (b 07/31/2008)
Shila F (b 05/17/2020)

Shedd (4.4)
Beethoven M (b 08/08/1992)
Naya F (est 1989)
Kayavak F (b 08/03/1999)
Aurek M (b 06/27/2003)
Bella F (b 07/17/2006)
Kimalu F (b 08/27/2012)
Annik M (b 07/03/2019)
Atlas M (b 08/21/2020)

Total US Population (32)
14.18
 
Canadian Population has had another death as well, but unsure which individual it was. This list is a challenge due to no transparency and MMIR in Canada that I am aware of. I have removed Balor from previous post, as he seems to be deceased. I am removing Ivy as well, as she also seems to be deceased. Prior to the most recent death, that leaves 3 females on the list that are most likely deceased (plus whichever whale recently died). The current population should be 36 from recent news sources.

MarineLand Canada (14.26)
Andre M (WILD x WILD) (c 1998) *Friendship Cove*
Orion M (WILD x WILD) (c 2004) *Friendship Cove*
Tofino M (WILD x WILD) (c 2004) *Friendship Cove*
Tuktoyaktuk M (WILD x WILD) (c 2004) *Friendship Cove*
Tank M (UNKNOWN x Acadia) (b 09/30/2011) *Friendship Cove*
Frankie M (Andre x Sierra) (b 06/11/2012) *Friendship Cove*
Xavier II M (UNKNOWN x Xena) (b 06/24/2012) *Friendship Cove*
Cyprus M (Andre or Kodiak x Cleopatra) (b 2016) *Friendship Cove*
Jasper M (Andre or Kodiak x Meeka) (b 07/18/2016) *Friendship Cove*
Yukon M (UNKNOWN x Aurora) (b 07/2018) *Artic Cove*
Odin M (UNKNOWN x Oriris) (b 07/2018) *Artic Cove*
Bertie M (UNKNOWN x Jelly Bean) (b 2019) *Artic Cove*
Gimli M (UNKNOWN x Secord) (b 08/2019) *Artic Cove*
Zephyr M (UNKNOWN x Rain) (b 08/11/2019) *Artic Cove*
Gemini F (WILD x WILD) (c 1999)
Xena F (WILD x WILD) (c 1999)
Isis F (WILD x WILD) (c 2000)
Caspian F (WILD x WILD) (c 2003)
Cleopatra F (WILD x WILD) (c 2003)
Jubilee F (WILD x WILD) (c 2003)
Osiris F (WILD x WILD) (c 2003)
Sierra F (WILD x WILD) (c 2003)
Kelowna F (WILD x WILD) (c 2004)
Peekachu F (WILD x WILD) (c 2004)
Skyla F (WILD x WILD) (c 2004)
Jelly Bean F (UNKNOWN x Jubilee) (b 07/19/2007)
Acadia F (WILD x WILD) (c 2008)
Aurora F (WILD x WILD) (c 2008)
Lillooet F (WILD x WILD) (c 2008)
Meeka F (WILD x WILD) (c 2008)
Rain F (WILD x WILD) (c 2008)
Secord F (WILD x WILD) (c 2008)
Eve F (UNKNOWN x Xena) (b 07/05/2008)
Mira F (Andre x Oceanna) (b 07/13/2009)
Neva F (UNKNOWN x Cleopatra) (b 07/23/2009)
Qila F (Andre or Belyi x Isis) (b 06/06/2010)
Ruby F (Tuk x Meeka) (b 07/2013)
Nahanni F (Andre or Kodiak x Lillooet) (b 07/21/2015)
Eos F (Tuk x Eve) (b 09/27/2017)
Calypso F (UNKNOWN x Gemini) (b 07/04/2018)

Total Canada Population (40) **SHOULD BE 36**
14.26

Prior to recent death, thought to be: (37 14.23)
 
Sydney said:
Ferdinand has passed away at SeaWorld San Diego. He was the oldest beluga whale in human care and was 53 years old.
Click to expand...
Very sad to hear, but not that surprising. He lived a good long life and was a great animal. I was lucky enough to see him when I visited in October 2021.
(pictured here with Allua and Klondike)
full
 
MidwestFan said:
Canadian Population has had another death as well, but unsure which individual it was. This list is a challenge due to no transparency and MMIR in Canada that I am aware of. I have removed Balor from previous post, as he seems to be deceased. I am removing Ivy as well, as she also seems to be deceased. Prior to the most recent death, that leaves 3 females on the list that are most likely deceased (plus whichever whale recently died). The current population should be 36 from recent news sources.

MarineLand Canada (14.26)
Andre M (WILD x WILD) (c 1998) *Friendship Cove*
Orion M (WILD x WILD) (c 2004) *Friendship Cove*
Tofino M (WILD x WILD) (c 2004) *Friendship Cove*
Tuktoyaktuk M (WILD x WILD) (c 2004) *Friendship Cove*
Tank M (UNKNOWN x Acadia) (b 09/30/2011) *Friendship Cove*
Frankie M (Andre x Sierra) (b 06/11/2012) *Friendship Cove*
Xavier II M (UNKNOWN x Xena) (b 06/24/2012) *Friendship Cove*
Cyprus M (Andre or Kodiak x Cleopatra) (b 2016) *Friendship Cove*
Jasper M (Andre or Kodiak x Meeka) (b 07/18/2016) *Friendship Cove*
Yukon M (UNKNOWN x Aurora) (b 07/2018) *Artic Cove*
Odin M (UNKNOWN x Oriris) (b 07/2018) *Artic Cove*
Bertie M (UNKNOWN x Jelly Bean) (b 2019) *Artic Cove*
Gimli M (UNKNOWN x Secord) (b 08/2019) *Artic Cove*
Zephyr M (UNKNOWN x Rain) (b 08/11/2019) *Artic Cove*
Gemini F (WILD x WILD) (c 1999)
Xena F (WILD x WILD) (c 1999)
Isis F (WILD x WILD) (c 2000)
Caspian F (WILD x WILD) (c 2003)
Cleopatra F (WILD x WILD) (c 2003)
Jubilee F (WILD x WILD) (c 2003)
Osiris F (WILD x WILD) (c 2003)
Sierra F (WILD x WILD) (c 2003)
Kelowna F (WILD x WILD) (c 2004)
Peekachu F (WILD x WILD) (c 2004)
Skyla F (WILD x WILD) (c 2004)
Jelly Bean F (UNKNOWN x Jubilee) (b 07/19/2007)
Acadia F (WILD x WILD) (c 2008)
Aurora F (WILD x WILD) (c 2008)
Lillooet F (WILD x WILD) (c 2008)
Meeka F (WILD x WILD) (c 2008)
Rain F (WILD x WILD) (c 2008)
Secord F (WILD x WILD) (c 2008)
Eve F (UNKNOWN x Xena) (b 07/05/2008)
Mira F (Andre x Oceanna) (b 07/13/2009)
Neva F (UNKNOWN x Cleopatra) (b 07/23/2009)
Qila F (Andre or Belyi x Isis) (b 06/06/2010)
Ruby F (Tuk x Meeka) (b 07/2013)
Nahanni F (Andre or Kodiak x Lillooet) (b 07/21/2015)
Eos F (Tuk x Eve) (b 09/27/2017)
Calypso F (UNKNOWN x Gemini) (b 07/04/2018)

Total Canada Population (40) **SHOULD BE 36**
14.26

Prior to recent death, thought to be: (37 14.23)
Click to expand...
Rumors I've heard are stating that Andre was the beluga that died but I am unsure how reliable they are. It is pretty well accepted that it was a male though so it must be one of the Friendship Cove boys. Unless something changes, more and more deaths are just going to keep coming out of Marineland as the current facilities are getting into such disrepair. A mix of terrible filtration, algae, and a bad diet/veterinarian care are sadly leading to the end of these poor belugas. Hopefully we will see some more imports of the Marineland whales to the USA, I know Georgia is looking for a new male and they have helped quarantine animals in the past ex. Grayson so fingers crossed at least one whale can make it out of that hell hole.
 
Jonathan Petersson said:
Rumors I've heard are stating that Andre was the beluga that died but I am unsure how reliable they are. It is pretty well accepted that it was a male though so it must be one of the Friendship Cove boys. Unless something changes, more and more deaths are just going to keep coming out of Marineland as the current facilities are getting into such disrepair. A mix of terrible filtration, algae, and a bad diet/veterinarian care are sadly leading to the end of these poor belugas. Hopefully we will see some more imports of the Marineland whales to the USA, I know Georgia is looking for a new male and they have helped quarantine animals in the past ex. Grayson so fingers crossed at least one whale can make it out of that hell hole.
Click to expand...
Judging by how the Mystic Aquarium import went, despite Mystic having access to some of the foremost experts in cetacean veterinary care, any US zoo would be insane for wanting to import more belugas from Marineland, and would be asking for an onslaught of bad press. While I have no doubt that Mystic's surviving belugas from the import are thankful for their improved facilities, I'm not sure it was worth the effort to import them given how much went wrong.
 
Jonathan Petersson said:
Rumors I've heard are stating that Andre was the beluga that died but I am unsure how reliable they are. It is pretty well accepted that it was a male though so it must be one of the Friendship Cove boys. Unless something changes, more and more deaths are just going to keep coming out of Marineland as the current facilities are getting into such disrepair. A mix of terrible filtration, algae, and a bad diet/veterinarian care are sadly leading to the end of these poor belugas. Hopefully we will see some more imports of the Marineland whales to the USA, I know Georgia is looking for a new male and they have helped quarantine animals in the past ex. Grayson so fingers crossed at least one whale can make it out of that hell hole.
Click to expand...

From what I’ve known, Marineland has actually invested fairly recently (2022-2023) in their new veterinary lab, and admittedly they have the same network as other facilities in terms of information, research and vet care.

Mystic has also been guiding them since at the very least 2019/2020 in terms of research and care, plus the transfer was delayed several times for Havok’s treatment (per the Mystic documents)Permit Application to Import 5 Beluga Whales for Scientific Research (File No. 22629, Mystic Aquarium)

Even though passings are inevitable (and they have lost 2-3 animals per year historically which were always offset by births until 2019) , I for one would welcome an external inspection like what CMA has done.

Maybe bring in Mystic and SW full time too to assist the current animal care team; as Mystic’s research team is currently mobilized and assisting since 2022 per this report.
Beluga Whale Deaths at Mystic Aquarium Unpreventable, Report Says – NBC Connecticut

Plus knowing that Kodiak (who passed in April) was 28; I would assume that a fair amount of the older whales are 28-40 generation wise.
It’s also been said at both coves that Andre is the oldest; and I heard age range for Arctic is 4-40, making Gemini and Xena both 40 as well.
 
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