Featured Image Credit: Georgia Aquarium
By: Laura O’Brien
Georgia Aquarium has been planning for the birth of a baby beluga whale since a female, Qinu, and a male beluga, Aurek, had become extremely close. Their new bond alerted the staff to the possibility of Qinu’s pregnancy. The aquarium even began a webpage in June, where exited marine-enthusiasts could learn about her pregnancy. After months of planning, ultrasounds, and medical attention to the mother-to-be Qinu, the aquarium braced for the birth of her new calf.
Things took a sudden turn for the worse when Qinu went into labor. She began to experience complications after several hours of labor, and her calf did not live until delivery. The aquarium staff were absolutely devastated, and Qinu now must undergo observation and medical treatment after the loss of her calf. The aquarium has received condolences and support from the public, who had been observing Qinu’s pregnancy and eagerly awaiting her calf’s birth.
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