Whale, that’s a first! Shedd Aquarium makes waves with historic beluga surgery

In a historic medical achievement, Chicago's Shedd Aquarium successfully performed a unique surgery on Kimalu, a 12-year-old female beluga whale. According to a press release, Kimalu underwent the first-of-its-kind procedure to remove cysts near her blowhole, becoming the only known beluga to recover from general anesthesia. This landmark surgery was supported by a coalition of nearly 30 animal health experts from Shedd and other institutions across the US.

Dr. Karisa Tang, Vice President of Animal Health at Shedd Aquarium, emphasized the lack of precedent for such a procedure, citing reliance on a profound understanding of Kimalu and collaborative efforts with various experts. "Not only did we succeed in helping Kimalu, but we also made history for beluga whales along the way," said Dr. Tang.

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According to the announcement, the decision to operate came after a CT scan confirmed surgery as essential for diagnosing and alleviating the cysts' impact. The anesthesia posed significant risks due to belugas' distinct size and physiology, the press release explained. Despite the concerns, Kimalu awoke successfully, aided by spoken encouragement from her caregivers and recordings of her pod's vocalizations.

Implications for beluga care

Kimalu's recovery is closely monitored, with a care team providing round-the-clock support, including antibiotics and pain management, to ensure her comfort. The pathologists will examine the removed cysts to gain insights that could shape future treatments. The aquarium remains cautiously optimistic, with Dr. Tang stating, "Her recovery will take time and is still not a guarantee, but we believe this procedure has already provided great relief for Kimalu."

This pioneering procedure not only aids Kimalu but also sets a precedent, influencing beluga care globally. Shedd Aquarium plans to disseminate its findings to veterinary professionals worldwide, potentially impacting treatment methodologies both in captivity and in the wild.

Collaborators for this groundbreaking event included experts from institutions such as Colorado State University, SeaWorld, and the University of Illinois, among others, underscoring a national effort to improve aquatic animal medicine.

Kimalu's condition will be shared with the public through updates on Shedd Aquarium’s social media, as her journey post-surgery continues.