Kimalu, a 12-year-old beluga whale at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium, has made medical history by becoming the first known beluga whale to successfully recover from general anesthesia after surgery. The remarkable procedure was needed to remove a network of growing cysts on her head and neck near her blowhole, which required the complex use of general anesthesia. Scientists explain that anesthesia is particularly challenging for beluga whales because of their large size and unique physiology, making Kimalu’s successful surgery a groundbreaking achievement. The medical team carefully planned every detail of the procedure to ensure her safety throughout the entire process.
When Kimalu woke up from the anesthesia, her lifelong caregivers were right there with her, speaking to her and playing recordings of vocalizations from the Shedd’s beluga pod to help her feel comfortable and secure. The surgery provided immediate relief for Kimalu, and she is now recovering beautifully in a specially designed medical habitat. Her care team is monitoring her around the clock, focusing on antibiotics, incision site care, pain management, and post-surgery nutrition to ensure her complete recovery. This historic medical success opens up new possibilities for veterinary care of beluga whales and other marine mammals around the world.