Mystic Aquarium Announces the Sad Passing of Beloved Beluga Whale
The Mystic Aquarium has lost a major member of its animal family. Kharabali the beluga whale has passed away after dealing with a rather mysterious and sudden illness.
The female beluga whale came from Marineland, a Canadian marine park, in May 2021. She had lived at the aquarium ever since, getting cared for by caretakers and being a favorite among guests.
She will be remembered dearly by the staff members there, who will miss her dearly.
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“Kharabali's bond with our marine family is profound, and our entire Mystic Aquarium community deeply feels her loss,” a representative from the aquarium posted on Facebook. “We sincerely thank you for the outpouring of support during these challenging times. Your messages, thoughts, and shared experiences have been a source of strength for us.”
The public mourned the loss of the beluga on the Facebook post, where the aquarium posted a picture of her. This is such sad news, especially around the holidays. There are other belugas at the aquarium, but the public will still be mourning the loss of this special whale.
Facts About Beluga Whales
Also known as “sea canaries,” beluga whales are the most vocal of all whales in the sea. They live in groups of about 10 or more in the wild, called pods, and form deep familial relationships that last a lifetime.
The beluga is closely related to the narwhal, the tusked whale that looks like it belongs in a fairytale. They are one of the smallest species of whales out there, making them extra adorable.
In the wild, there are some threats posed to beluga whales. These include climate change, hunting, oil development, and urban pollution. The word “beluga” comes from the Russian word “bielo,” which means white. However, the whales are actually born dark gray and take up to eight years before turning completely white.
Belugas have a very bulbous forehead, called a melon. It’s flexible and capable of changing shape when they blow air out of their sinuses. This allows them to make different facial expressions! They
These whales are commonly found in the coastal waters of the Arctic Ocean, but they also migrate southward in large pods when the sea freezes over.
These adorable whales are typically very popular among guests at aquariums. Kharabali was well-known and well loved by her fans, and she will be very missed. The other belugas at the aquarium will help keep spirits lifted as the aquarium deals with this monumental loss.
