Whale fights infection that killed half-brother
Published 9:00 pm Wednesday, October 4, 2006
TACOMA – A beluga whale at Point Defiance Zoo &Aquarium has a bacterial infection that veterinarians believe may stem from the same source as an infection that struck his half-brother, who died last month.
The 14-year-old whale, Beethoven, is being monitored by a team of veterinarians and animal care staff after diagnostic tests showed the infection. Although he’s lost his appetite, he remains active and alert.
Staff managed to get 18 pounds of food into him Wednesday morning, spokeswoman Carolyn Cox said.
“Yes, we’re concerned, but we’re also optimistic,” said Deputy Director John Houck. “Unlike Turner, whose health was fragile for a number of years, Beethoven is a strong, healthy whale. We have the best marine mammal vets in the country working on his care.”
Turner died Sept. 7 of acute liver failure, according to initial necropsy results. Veterinarians are looking for potential environmental or viral components.
Unlike Beethoven, Turner had a chronic kidney condition and compromised immune system because of illnesses he suffered as a young juvenile.
Both whales came to the Tacoma zoo in 1998 on loan from the SeaWorld park in San Antonio as part of a cooperative whale breeding program within accredited zoos and aquariums.
