MYSTIC -- One of the beluga whales living at Mystic Aquarium died over the weekend.
Aquarium officials said a young adult male named Miki died as a result of complications from a prolonged illness. Veterinary experts from across the country did what they could to help Miki.
Miki was at Mystic Aquarium for just six months. He was on loan from the The Shedd Aquarium of Chicago.
"Miki, whose name meant “little” in Inuktitut, the language of one the Inuit people of artic Canada where belugas are found, passed away at Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut where he was currently residing as part of Shedd’s involvement in the North American beluga whale breeding consortium," a statement said.
“Miki was beloved. We would do anything and everything we could for his welfare – and that of every animal at Shedd or in our colleague organizations,” said Bill Van Bonn, DVM, vice president of animal health for Shedd who co-led the team working to provide comfort and care to Miki in his final days. “The loss of any life is heartbreaking. Miki will be especially missed."
