Third Beluga Whale Dies at Mystic Aquarium Following Controversial Transfer

Kharabali's Death Marks the Latest in a Series of Fatalities Among Whales Moved from Canada's Marineland in 2021

Kharabali, a 9-year-old beluga whale at Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, has died. This marks the third death among five whales that were transported from Canada's Marineland in 2021.
Kharabali began swimming abnormally in November and was moved to the aquarium’s intensive care facility. The cause of her death is yet to be determined.
Two other whales, Havok and Havana, also died after the transfer from Marineland. Both were found to have underlying incurable conditions.
An inspection by the U.S. Department of Agriculture after Havok's death found problems with the care of the whales at Mystic Aquarium. The aquarium claimed these issues were being addressed.
Animal rights activists had unsuccessfully sued to block the whale's transport, arguing that the move could cause harm to the belugas.