Beluga whale Kimalu makes history by recovering from general anesthesia after surgery

In Chicago, Illinois, a beluga whale named Kimalu made headlines when she successfully recovered from general anesthesia following a surgery. The procedure took place to remove a growing network of cysts from her head and neck, particularly near her blowhole, a critical area for her breathing and overall health. This surgery was notably significant in the field of marine animal care, marking a pioneering moment as Kimalu became the first known beluga whale to recover from such anesthesia. Kimalu, who is 12 years old, was placed under general anesthesia for the duration of the surgery, which presented unique challenges due to her size and the specific physiology of beluga whales. The surgical team at Shedd Aquarium had to navigate these complexities with precision. Following the successful operation, the aquarium officials reported that Kimalu woke up from the anesthesia and was initially monitored to ensure her recovery went smoothly. During her recovery, Kimalu was given constant care, focusing on several key aspects: administering antibiotics, taking care of her incision site, managing her pain, and ensuring her nutritional needs were met post-surgery. Her lifelong caregivers provided emotional support during this critical time. They were present with her as she awoke, speaking to her and playing recordings of vocalizations from the Shedd's beluga pod, which provided her with familiar sounds that could help comfort her during recovery. Currently, Kimalu is in a specially designed medical habitat, receiving 24/7 monitoring to ensure her health stabilizes after the surgery. The success of Kimalu's surgery not only benefits her but also paves the way for future medical procedures involving marine mammals, thereby advancing knowledge and practices within marine veterinary medicine. This landmark event highlights the importance and ongoing efforts in caring for marine species in captivity, showcasing how modern medical techniques can positively affect the lives of diverse animal species.