Georgia Aquarium’s beloved 21-year-old beluga whale named Maris dies suddenly

On Thursday, Georgia Aquarium announced that their beloved 21-year-old beluga whale known as Maris has suddenly died. Maris was among the three belugas at the Aquarium. In a statement, Mike Leven, Aquarium's chairman and chief executive officer, said Maris was among Georgia Aquarium's first beluga whales. Mike Leven mentioned that the whale had inspired millions of guests every year.

Mike Leven added that all the animal care and veterinary teams had created a very special bond with Maris over the last 10 years, and mentioned that this unexpected loss was difficult and painful.

In a statement, the Aquarium said that Maris showed all signs that are shown by a healthy whale. It added that the adorable whale had been eating and interacting with the other two beluga whales normally at the Aquarium.

Dr. Gregory Bossart, senior vice-president and chief veterinary officer of Georgia Aquarium, said, "This is a case of sudden, acute animal death. Our animals receive exceptional care, and our dedicated team of experts responded to her within minutes to render aid".

The Aquarium said presently an animal autopsy is going on. It mentioned that veterinarians are working with pathologists from University of Georgia to find out the cause of her death. People can go to the beluga whale habitat as it is open to them with whales Qinu and Grayson.