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DEL.ICIO.USInjured beluga on the mend, rebounding from stress
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Visitors to the Georgia Aquarium will soon see more than 100,000 fish and other animals in the world’s largest aquarium.
They will also see one very large patient, who just happens to be a mammal.
Gasper, the beluga whale rescued from abhorrent conditions at a Mexico City amusement park, is now recovering in an 800,000-gallon tank in the Cold Water Quest exhibit.
Gasper and Nico, both males, were brought to the aquarium Oct. 17. Nico was healthy, but Gasper suffered from two large, infected bite marks (courtesy of Nico) and several grapefruit-sized lesions on his white skin.
John Spink/AJC
Gasper the friendly beluga is feeling better these days.Tim Binder, director of husbandry for the Georgia Aquarium, said the Mexico City belugas were stressed from water conditions and the location of their tank. It was situated near a rollercoaster, a tough spot for animals that are sensitive to sound.
“The new owners of the park realized the circumstances, and knew they had to get them out of there,” Binder said.
Aquarium officials say workers at the Mexico City amusement park were doing the best they could for the animals under very bad circumstances. There was considerable stress on the animals, Binder said, and it is very likely Gasper would not have survived had he not been relocated to Atlanta.
Nico and Gasper now share an 800,000-gallon tank at the Georgia Aquarium with three female belugas on a “breeding loan” from the New York Aquarium on Coney Island. Aquarium officials hope baby belugas will be on the way in the next few years.
“The girls have already warmed up to the boys,” said Jeff Swanagan, the aquarium’s executive director. “they’re already forming friendships and maybe a litte more than that.”
Howard Krum, head of veterinary services and conservation medicine at the Georgia Aquarium, said personnel from Atlanta began treating Gasper with antibiotics a month before he left Mexico and have stepped up treatment since his arrival.
“He (Gasper) was unresponsive in his tank in Mexico City,” Krum said. “He didn’t look at people. He was laying like a log at the bottom of his tank.”
Since Gasper’s arrival, Georgia Aquarium officials have done blood work, biopsies and cultures to direct his final phase of treatment.
Both Krum and Binder said the treatment program appears to be working. Gasper has gained about 150 pounds since his arrival, his wounds are healing and he is very active in his tank.
“It’s difficult to speculate on a long-term prognosis,” Binder said. “But so far, we’re encouraged by what we have seen.”
Comments
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By jennifer
November 16, 2005 01:38 PM | Link to this
I can’t wait to visit the aquarium. I’ve been to Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and I definitely am looking forward to seeing Atlanta’s.
Obviously I am glad the whales were rescued and I’m glad they’re both doing better after being here.
By Sara
November 16, 2005 01:50 PM | Link to this
This aquarium is just what Atlanta needs. I can’t wait to take off wrok and get to go during the week when the crwods will be less than on the first few week-ends. I’m so excited !
By Dale
November 16, 2005 01:59 PM | Link to this
I am extremely excited to see the aquarium open, but I’d be even more excited if they gave this unemployed fisheries biologist (me) a job.
By Joanne
November 16, 2005 02:25 PM | Link to this
I wish the “do-gooders” who’ve complained about the belugas being at the Georgia Aquarium would read Gasper’s story. I look forward to the opening of the Aquarium and intend on being a frequent visitor.
By Something Phishy
November 16, 2005 02:29 PM | Link to this
The aquarium sounds like it is as awesome as promised — I can’t wait to go either!
Two things, though:
What’s going to happen to Chattanooga’s aquarium now that Atlanta will have one a gazillion times larger? You’d be crazy to drive up there from the ATL area now! :-)
Sounds like those Belugas (Gasper and Nico) could use an intervention. What was THAT attack all about?!
By Mark G.
November 16, 2005 02:44 PM | Link to this
I am thrilled that a world -class aquarium will be located here in Atlanta. I will be a frequent guest. In answer to questions about what will happen to the crowds that go to Tennessee for their aquarium, I guess when I go to Tennessee I will have more time to see Ruby Falls, Lookout Mountain and other attractions because I won’t need to squeeze the aquarium into the trip!
By Steve
November 16, 2005 02:54 PM | Link to this
As much as I would like to go to the new aquarium, I will probably continue going to the Tennessee aquarium. The cost is outrageous!!! Plus the fact they do not sell family season passes like most of the other Atlanta attractions has really turned me off. I know that they are many, MANY others complaining about the cost too.
By LC
November 16, 2005 02:55 PM | Link to this
What a wonderful time this is for Atlanta. First the opening of the High and now the aquarium.
By ck hall
November 16, 2005 02:55 PM | Link to this
Just as I said. These places(giant fish tanks) cannot simulate the real sea world. These giant fish tanks are abnormal and do not need to add to the animals woes.
By Michael
November 16, 2005 02:59 PM | Link to this
Can you please use a spell checker or have somebody edit your articles? The number of mistakes is horrendous.
By Carla
November 16, 2005 03:07 PM | Link to this
I think the new aquarium is a wonderful and exciting thing. So you have to pay a few extra dollars I think its worth it.
By Dale
November 16, 2005 03:08 PM | Link to this
Steve, you’re better off saving the gas money and paying to go to Atlanta. The costs to see the aquarium reflect the costs to build the aquarium. How much bigger is Atlanta Aquarium than the Chattanooga Aquarium? Believe me, it will be worth the cost. You also have to remember that “many, Many” aquariums are in the red. It’s not a get rich type business.
By Barbara Merrill
November 16, 2005 03:18 PM | Link to this
I have been waiting anxiously for the Aquarium to open since I first heard the news. Never mind what it’ll do for Atlanta’s waning tourism, imqane what a blessing it’ll be to families and school children to be able to take THAT trip! Bless the man who made it possible and all the hard workers that will keep it running and successful.
By Karen Richardson
November 16, 2005 03:21 PM | Link to this
What an exciting time for the state of Georgia to have such a unique place for all of the world to visit. I visited the South Carolina Aquarium last weekend in Charleston. It was very nice and I really enjoyed it, but I have a feeling that the Georgia Aquarium will be much more enjoyable because of its size and the amount of time I can spend there. As for the price, I can’t believe that a ticket to an attraction like the Georgia Aquarium is so reasonable. It takes so much to maintain these type facilities and I can think of many other Atlanta attractions that I have spent much more on. We should also be proud that we have such an awesome “learning” facility for the wonderful students of Georgia. Thank you to all who have made the Georgia Aquarium possible.
By tony
November 16, 2005 03:21 PM | Link to this
Steve, let me get this straight…you will go up to Chattanooga because the cost is too great here. Do you flutter on a cloud pal? I pay gas to take me and my family to the aquarium and that is part of the equation don’t you think McBrains?!? But on second thought you are right , go on up to Chattanooga with all your pals who think it will be too expensive here, that will make the lines here that much quicker…bafoon?!?
By michael
November 16, 2005 03:40 PM | Link to this
CK, get a grip. Did you even read the article? The reason this Beluga was in such bad shape was because the aquarium he was in was too small and noisy. He is much healthier now. He has gained 150 lbs since he arrived. A mammal won’t eat if he isn’t healthy. I agree these facilities, no matter how large, cannot recreate their natural habitat. This doesn’t mean they aren’t treated humanely(sp?)and with compassion. You need to read the article and learn a little bit about things before being so critical of something that may expose people to the natural wonders that are in our oceans.
By James
November 16, 2005 03:53 PM | Link to this
This will be a great boost for downtown Atlanta and a great week-end destination that we so badly need. I can’t disagree more with CK, look at the picture, the fella looks happy! Read the story. Not only is this entertainment, this is a great research into marine life. I think this will spawn interest in aquariums all over. I can see people seeing our aquarium and then thinking, well we liked this one why not go see other aquariums too. Atlanta hit a home run on this one, I will be there, probably several times.
By AB
November 16, 2005 03:56 PM | Link to this
steve, it seems like operating this aquarium is going to be ridiculously expensive. and because our aquarium dwarfs the chattanooga aquarium in terms of scale and attractions, naturally it is going to cost more to run, so tickets will cost more. but marcus built the thing for free, with no taxpayer funding! also, while season passes cost more if you’re buying for a family, the single tickets are priced in line with the shedd aquarium in chicago, which is another very impressive aquarium i have visited.
By Elaine
November 16, 2005 04:09 PM | Link to this
I am excited that Atlanta is getting a world class aquarium. I am looking forward to seeing all of the exhibits that the aquarium has to offer. I have been following the progress of the aquarium ever since it has been mentioned. I do not think that the price of admission is out of reach when you consider what it cost to get into other attractions around Atlanta and then you add the cost of gas. Good job guys.
By Karen Kane
November 16, 2005 04:22 PM | Link to this
I am so thrilled about the aquarium. I plan to get my whole family a yearly pass. And best wishes to the Beluga that it will get well soon. SeeYa soon.
By Leslie
November 16, 2005 04:28 PM | Link to this
I am SO excited about the new Georgia Aquarium ! My whole family is going next Tuesday. Thank you Mr. Marcus ! We are forever in your debt.
By Eric
November 16, 2005 04:42 PM | Link to this
How can you complain that the cost of something is too high when you haven’t even seen it yet? It’s just possible that the new Aquarium will be the most spectacular thing you’ve ever seen, well worth the price of admission. I am very much looking forward to seeing it. Welcome to Atlanta, Gasper!
By Curt
November 16, 2005 04:54 PM | Link to this
I’m glad everyone’s excited and enthusiastic about the aquarium. It sounds like it’ll be a big success for downtown. As a downtown resident and worker, I would encourage everyone to take advantage of MARTA for their visits. The aquarium is a short walk from both the Civic Center and CNN Center stations. Traffic will suck enough from out-of-town visitors that we Atlantans needn’t compound the problem. And once the new World of Coke opens next door to the aquarium, “suck” won’t begin to describe downtown traffic!
By Dominique
November 16, 2005 05:11 PM | Link to this
Having been to pretty much every aquarium in the country, I look forward to the opening of the Atlanta aquarium with great relish. Is it going to be a splendid opportunity to educate so many people on the plights that plague our oceans. I’m also sure it will encourage a whole new generation of children to perhaps consider a career in ocean related fields. As for the cost, you get what you pay for. I plan to be there with alarming frequency.
By danosummer
November 17, 2005 08:09 AM | Link to this
Thanks Bernie for your wonderful gift to Georgia…God bless you and your family…by the way the residents of the aquarium are probably quite appreciative!
By Tony
November 17, 2005 08:35 AM | Link to this
I can’t wait to go!!! From all the articles I’ve read, it sounds like it will be a wonderful attraction for many years to come. They’ve definitely done their homework. It’s a great idea to have a separate experience for all the school children who will go there on their field trips! Thank you for the gift Bernie!
By MG
November 17, 2005 08:38 AM | Link to this
I am also excited that Atlanta received this wonderful gift from Mr. Marcus, and can’t believe the number of negative complaints I’ve read. To show my support I purchased six }-Fish Scales(*< for family members birthdays, mothers day, etc, the Aquarium will be a visual feast for all that attend. Thanks to Marcus and all who played a part in this spectacular project.
By wesdogg
November 17, 2005 08:41 AM | Link to this
does anyone know which other major U.S. aquariums are non-profit, like GA’s?
By Shiney
November 17, 2005 08:44 AM | Link to this
I am curious…..Will the cafeteria at eh aquarium sell fish sitcks for lunch?
By David
November 17, 2005 09:12 AM | Link to this
I’ve lived in Atlanta since ‘89 and also work downtown. This is probably one of the coolest things that has happened to Atlanta (well, besides the Olympics). Can’t wait to check this place out on a weekday.
By Lynn
November 17, 2005 09:37 AM | Link to this
Something Phishy
You said, “Sounds like those Belugas (Gasper and Nico) could use an intervention. What was THAT attack all about?!”
Hello? Can you read? “said the Mexico City belugas were stressed from water conditions and the location of their tank. It was situated near a rollercoaster, a tough spot for animals that are sensitive to sound.” Stress=frustration=attacks in any mammal, including whales. Since moving to Atlanta, the whale has gained 150 lbs and is active. Why do they need intervention now? Moving them was the intervention!
By Josh
November 17, 2005 10:01 AM | Link to this
This is Great, Maybe CK could get a job at the aquarium and look out for that poor Gasper. You Fool. For everyone else, like myself I will enjoy the new aquarium, and all the wonderful things that it will bring to Atlanta. I have heard that the dinning is going to be out fo this world.
By DasK
November 17, 2005 10:12 AM | Link to this
So that is why my recent trip to the New York Aquarium seemed to be short of belugas, as there were only two in a very large tank. Interesting beluga trivia, the belugas that live in the St. Lawrence Seaway around Saguenay River, a very industrial area of Quebec, have some of the highest concentrations of toxins found in any mammal.
Really looking forward to this Aquarium opening, however I will wait until next year to visit, let the crowds die down.
By Pernell
November 17, 2005 10:26 AM | Link to this
I am very excited about the new aquarium coming to Atlanta!! I’ve been to those in Baltimore, Chattannoga, and Carmel and each was a wonderful experience in it’s own rite. There may be detractors out there but each to his/her own. These aquariums may not be able to completely simulate the true open ocean environment, but so what? They afford us, our families, our school children opportunities to see up close and personal creatures that most of us would never get to see otherwise. That in itself will be worth the price of admission!!!
By PE
November 17, 2005 10:33 AM | Link to this
I totally agree that the higher prices to see the Atlanta aquarium are worth every penny. If it was as affordable as the one in Chattanooga, it would also be as ordinary as the one in Chattanooga - instead, for a few dollars more - you get a WORLD class experience. That’s not something you can get in Chattanooga. If they lower the prices, the new aquarium will end up like Zoo Atlanta… empty and falling further into obscurity.
By ChrisD
November 17, 2005 11:28 AM | Link to this
I hope security will be tight. Imagine how much flooding and loss of life (people and animals) that will occur if some nut walks in there and detonates a bomb. With all the press, Al Qaeda’s watching.
By LW
November 17, 2005 12:22 PM | Link to this
ChrisD- What a dumb thing to say. How could you even think of such a thing, and then to print it is totally beyond me. Maybe we should be looking out for you.
By Mara
November 17, 2005 12:25 PM | Link to this
People don’t mind spending $40-$50 to go ride roller coasters at Six Flags, but think that price is too steep for this beautiful aquarium? This is best thing that’s happened in Atlanta in the ten years I’ve been here. Hooray!
By Victor
November 17, 2005 01:25 PM | Link to this
There was a comment that the whales where near a rollercoaster and they don´t like the noise. What about the trains that past the tanks at all hours of the day and night. Whales are sensitive to low pitch sounds and rumbling trains can´t be good for them either. Whats there answer to that.
By Robin
November 17, 2005 02:20 PM | Link to this
Victor, Have you heard about the Navy exploits in our oceans, and what those subsonic sounds are doing….I agree with you to a point, but these are rescue animals, that could never be set free. Now, the Whale Sharks I have a problem with those guys. They came from a sanctuary, from what I understand had access to the open ocean…I am concerned there.