A beluga calf (white whale) was recently confirmed dead at Geoje Sea World in South Gyeongsang Province, the country's largest dolphin interaction facility.

According to Geoje Sea World on the 10th, the beluga calf born on the 1st at Geoje Sea World in Irun-myeon, Geoje City, ultimately died on the 3rd.

Geoje Sea World explained that it had operated a 24-hour monitoring·intensive care system from when the deceased individual's birth was imminent, but after delivery the mother beluga continued to be unable to adequately care for the calf.

Beluga calves are known to have their survival heavily influenced by maternal care and early natural nursing. However, the newborn beluga did not sufficiently ingest colostrum from its mother even after 24 hours had passed since birth.

Geoje Sea World said it made efforts, including administering artificial feeding at two-hour intervals and providing 24-hour care with veterinarians and trainers, but the calf ultimately died. It added that insufficient intake of colostrum appeared to be the cause of death.

A Geoje Sea World representative said, “We looked forward to the birth of a new life and did our utmost to care for it, so this outcome is heartbreaking for us as well,” adding, “Although it was a short time, we will long remember the precious life that stayed by our side.”

Since Geoje Sea World opened in 2014, 17 dolphins, including the calf that died this time, have died. The dolphin deaths have continually sparked controversy centered on environmental·animal protection groups.

Geoje Sea World currently houses a total of nine cetaceans, including belugas and bottlenose dolphins.