Investigation says toxin killed the Vancouver aquarium’s beluga whales
VANCOUVER — A toxin was the cause of death for two beluga whales at the Vancouver Aquarium last November, but the exact substance couldn’t be identified.
The aquarium announced the conclusion of a five-month investigation Thursday saying that an investigation also determined the toxin was likely introduced by food, water or through human interference.
The belugas, 21-year-old Qila and her mother, 30-year-old Aurora, died nine days apart last November from what officials said was a mysterious illness.
The aquarium’s head veterinarian, Dr. Martin Haulena, said in an interview that the death of the belugas was devastating for staff and the public.