Beluga Cyprus dies at SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld San Diego said Monday that Cyprus, a nine-year-old male beluga whale transferred from Marineland in Ontario, died Sunday after abruptly stopping eating. The cause of death has not been established, and SeaWorld said it will conduct a full necropsy and share the results with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Cyprus arrived at SeaWorld on August 22 with two other male belugas, Xavier and Jasper, after the animals were moved from the now-closed Marineland. SeaWorld said Cyprus had been eating consistently and interacting with staff before his condition changed. He stopped eating two days before his death, and an ultrasound showed that his intestinal tract did not appear to be functioning normally. The organization said veterinarians and animal-care staff provided medical attention, but Cyprus died Sunday night. SeaWorld also said belugas can mask discomfort or underlying health problems that are not immediately visible. It has not announced when the necropsy will be completed. Xavier and Jasper are stable and remain under close monitoring as they adjust to their surroundings, SeaWorld said. The facility described the transfer as a significant...