Georgia Aquarium Loses Second Whale Shark in Less Than Six Months

The Georgia Aquarium announced in a press release that Norton, one of their prized giant whale sharks, had passed on the morning of June 13. Norton's death comes as a double blow to officials at the aquarium and animal lovers alike. This is the second such death in months as another whale shark named Ralph died of peritonitis in January of 2007.

Over the course of the last few months Norton had showed signs that things were not well. His swimming patterns were at times erratic and it had been found that his appetite had diminished and he was not eating. As discussed in their press release by Jeff Swanagan, President and Executive Director for Georgia Aquarium, the husbandry and veterinary staff were encouraged after extensive testing and additional care was administered to this ailing giant whale shark. Staff and public alike were hopeful that Norton's health would improve.

This Tuesday Norton's swimming patterns grew erratic again and medical tests confirmed that his health was in a decline. A 24-hour watch revealed that he eventually stopped swimming and settled to the bottom of his tank. After extensive medical tests and with little hope the team decided it best to euthanize the Giant Whale Shark.

As with the whale shark Ralph, a necropsy or animal autopsy has been planned to try to determine the cause of death for this popular attraction who was loved by many. The circumstances involving both will be compared and investigated to make sure there are no connections or circumstances that may have been overlooked and found to be contributing factors into their premature deaths.

These are not the first instances where a beloved animal to the aquarium has passed. Just days before the loss of the Whale Shark Ralph the staff faced euthanizing a 17-year-old beluga whale named Gasper on January 2 of this year. Gasper was a favorite among many who visited the aquarium. It is believed that he was ill before his arrival in 2005 at the Georgia Aquarium.

The four remaining whale sharks appear to be doing just fine. According to the Associated Press, two of these are new arrivals from Taiwan. Upon arrival of the new whale sharks, the officials from Taiwan stated they felt the Georgia Aquarium provided quality care.

Like Gasper the beluga whale, and Ralph the whale shark, many who came to see this gentle shark will certainly miss Norton's presence. Giant whale sharks despite their size are harmless to humans and this perhaps makes them more approachable to many who traditionally fear sharks.

Sources:
Georgia Aquarium Press Release, June 13,2007 : Whale Shark Dies at Georgia Aquarium
www.georgiaaquarium.org/newsroom/pressdetail.aspx?id=92

Yahoo News: 2^nd whale shark dies at Ga. Aquarium
www.news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070613/ap_on_re_us/whale_shark_dies_2;_ylt=AljWbVRjC8.A22bCWSRyg7gkJPEI

CNN: Aquarium looks for answers in whale shark death
www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/science/01/11/aquarium.death/

Divester: Ralph, One of the Georgia Aquarium's Whale Sharks, Dies
www.divester.com/2007/01/12/ralph-one-of-the-georgia-aquariums-whale-sharks-dies/