By Canadian Press

Samka, one of only walruses to give birth in captivitiy in Canada, dies in Quebec

Jun 30, 2018 | 9:45 AM

QUEBEC — One of the only walruses to give birth in captivity in Canada has died in Quebec City’s aquarium.

The aquarium says in a statement that 13-year-old Samka died Thursday night.

The establishment says the walrus had appeared unwell for the past few days but they’re not yet sure what caused her death.

Samka made headlines in 2016 when she and the aquarium’s other female, Arnaliaq, gave birth within weeks of each other. 

The aquarium said at the time they were the first full-term walrus babies born in captivity in Canada.

Raiders win 5-3

Defensive scoring leads Raiders over Wheat Kings

1h ago

GST Holiday

Federal government's two-month GST holiday begins

16h ago

Imminent need

Council set to discuss possible location for homeless shelter on 15th Street

22h ago

The two young walruses, Lakina and Balzak, were transferred to Vancouver’s aquarium late last year.

The director of the Aquarium du Quebec says the entire staff was devastated by Samka’s loss.

“She was a very playful animal, to which all our staff was as attached as our visitors were,” Elizabeth Tessier said in a statement.

A necropsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.

The Canadian Press