BELUGA MAKES HISTORY FOR BEING FIRST TO RECOVER FROM GENERAL ANESTHESIA AFTER MASSIVE SURGERY

A group of around 30 specialists from all over the United States convened at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium to operate on 12-year-old Kimalu the Beluga, marking a medical and scientific first. During a routine check-in, her handlers initially saw lumps close to her blowhole. They determined that surgery was the best course of action after examining her CT scan, which revealed a network of cysts on her head and neck.

The researchers had to create a novel protocol based on their understanding of previous animal operations because this was the first surgery of its sort. To handle Kimalu's 1,000-pound weight and distinct anatomy, the aquarium brought together the knowledge of specialists who had previously worked with elephants and rhinos. However, it would be hard to predict how anaesthesia would affect her body. Even if the surgery went well, there was a genuine concern that she wouldn't wake up.

On July 1, 2025, Kimalu was put under general anaesthesia for more than two hours. The crew cleverly tried to wake her by using the beluga's primary sense of hearing when the moment came to reverse the anaesthesia.