Beluga Whale died of acute heart failure
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ATLANTA - Georgia Aquarium released the necropsy results of Maris, one of Georgia Aquarium’s beloved beluga whales that died suddenly and unexpectedly in October.
According to the findings it was determined the death was due to acute heart failure.
According to the necropsy, conducted by University of Georgia pathologists and Georgia Aquarium veterinarians, Maris appeared in excellent physical condition at the time of her death.
However, the heart and other tissues examined had microscopic lesions that supported that the cause of death was acute heart failure.
“Maris died from acute heart failure of undetermined ideology. No predisposing cause for the heart failure could be determined from the necropsy. An acute disturbance in heart function is suspected as one possible cause. There was also no evidence of infectious disease,” said Dr. Gregory Bossart, senior vice president and chief veterinary officer.