Beluga calf dies at SeaWorld San Antonio

3-week-old calf born premature

SAN ANTONIO – A 3-week-old Beluga calf died Sunday at SeaWorld San Antonio.

The calf, which was born about a month premature, didn't gain weight at a rate veterinarians expected despite being nursed by its mother, SeaWorld officials said.

An animal care team, which was providing around-the-clock care for weeks, also hand-fed specialized marine mammal infant formula seven times a day, officials said.

"Losing an animal in our care is never easy, and we thank everyone for their thoughts and support during this difficult time for our team," SeaWorld said in a statement.

A necropsy will be performed Monday and results are expected in six to eight weeks.


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