Latest news with #Kimalu
CBS News
03-07-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Beluga whale at Shedd Aquarium becomes first in the world to recover from general anesthesia after successful surgery
A beluga whale at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium became the first known beluga whale to recover from general anesthesia after a successful surgery this week. The 12-year-old whale named Kimalu needed to have a network of growing cysts on her head and neck near her blowhole removed. The team at the aquarium performed the historic surgery with Kimalu under general anesthesia. Shedd officials said the surgery was a success, providing Kimalu with immediate relief, and she woke up from the anesthesia and is now recovering. She is being monitored around the clock during her recovery, focusing on antibiotics, incision site care, pain management and post-surgery nutrition. Scientists say general anesthesia is particularly complicated for beluga whales because of their size and unique physiology. When she woke up, her lifelong caregivers were with her to speak to her and play recordings of vocalizations from the Shedd's beluga pod for her. She is now recovering in a specially designed medical habitat.
CBS News
28-06-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Shedd Aquarium's beluga whale Kimalu to have cyst removal surgery
A beluga whale at the Shedd Aquarium is getting help while dealing with a rare medical condition. Kimalu has been at the Shedd for 12 years. The animal health and care teams at the aquarium noticed she was dealing with bumps that turned out to be cysts. Doctor Karisa Tang, vice president of animal health, said they will perform surgery to examine them and, if possible, remove some, while also preparing for any issues. "Anytime you sedate or anesthetize an animal, you run the risk they may not recover," she said. "This is especially true for belugas because of their unique physiology as large, deep-sea swimmers and voluntary breathers." The center didn't share the exact day of the surgery but said it would post updates when it knows more.
