ATLANTA — Activists led by Georgia Animal Rights and Protection held a protest outside the Georgia Aquarium in response to the death of a baby beluga whale on June 5.
The female beluga whale calf was born at the Georgia Aquarium on May 10.
According to Georgia Aquarium Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Gregory Bossart, his team became concerned with the calf's slow weight gain.
Bossart says the calf had gastrointestinal issues that were preventing her from properly absorbing and assimilating nutrients that she needed to grow and thrive.
Georgia Aquarium's animal care experts attempted to help the calf gain weight by supplementing her caloric needs with formula.
The aquarium says the calf began showing signs of lethargy, and needed assistance to swim Friday morning.
The calf took her last breath in the arms of her caregivers next to her mother just after 7 a.m.
GARP says it wants to bring awareness to the "plight" of captive whales and dolphins.
WSBTV
