Beluga Whale Reaches Medical Achievement by Successfully Coming Out of General Anesthesia After Surgery
In a historic achievement in the fields of medicine and science, a group of nearly 30 specialists from various parts of the United States gathered at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago to carry out an extraordinary surgical procedure on Kimalu, a beluga whale aged 12 years. Kimalu’s caregivers initially identified unusual growths around her blowhole during a standard examination. After conducting a CT scan, a complex arrangement of cysts was found on her head and neck, leading to the conclusion that surgery was necessary.
Embarking on an operation with no existing reference, the team needed to create a new protocol, drawing on the knowledge of experts familiar with large mammals such as elephants and rhinos due to Kimalu’s considerable weight of 1,000 pounds and her distinctive physiological traits. Administering anesthesia was notably perilous since her body’s reaction was unpredictable, and there was a genuine concern about her regaining consciousness after the operation.
On July 1, 2025, Kimalu underwent general anesthesia for over two hours. Once the surgical operation was complete, the team implemented an innovative approach to rouse her from anesthesia, utilizing the belugas’ primary sense: hearing. They played audio recordings of her pod and encouraged her caretakers to speak to her. In a wave of gratitude and happiness, Kimalu successfully awoke, prepared to return to her underwater habitat.
At present, Kimalu is under careful observation and care by her human caregivers and is enjoying the company of a beluga companion to ensure her comfort and social engagement. She is receiving the highest level of attention and care to facilitate her recovery.
This extraordinary surgery represents a major advancement in veterinary medicine, paving the way for new methods of treating marine animals, particularly larger cetaceans. The Shedd Aquarium remains at the leading edge, dedicated to enhancing the knowledge and techniques in marine animal care, as exemplified by Kimalu’s triumphant recovery.