A newborn beluga whale has died due to unknown causes at SeaWorld Orlando.
Park officials said in a statement Friday, "Unfortunately the unusually weak calf surfaced only briefly before sinking to the bottom of the pool," adding "The animal care and veterinary teams reacted quickly and were able to reach the calf and begin emergency care. Despite their best efforts and expertise, we are saddened to confirm that the calf did not survive."
Officials say the calf's 17-year-old mother, Whisper, had a normal and healthy pregnancy.
Whisper received routine ultrasounds and health assessments to monitor her and the calf's progress throughout the pregnancy, the statement says.
The park will conduct a full post-mortem examination to attempt to determine what caused the baby beluga's death. Results will not be available for several weeks.