Gasper the whale was euthanized this morning around 6:00am at the Georgia Aquarium. 

Last week, Tim Binder, Director of Husbandry, reported that Gasper was “gravely ill” and that his situation had worsened as a “result of his weakened immune system due to years of chronic illness, prior to arriving at the Georgia Aquarium.”

Many Georgians have followed beloved Gasper’s progress since he arrived at the Georgia Aquarium in 2005.   

History of Nico & Gasper

Nico and Gasper came from the LaFeria de Chapultepec amusement park, a privately operated facility, in Mexico City. They were maintained in an exhibit surrounded by a large wooden rollercoaster, until they were transported to Georgia Aquarium in October 2005. They were originally acquired by previous owners of LaFeria de Chapultepec, and when the park sold, the new owners recognized the habitat was not adequate to maintain these animals. The new owners actively worked with us to obtain the necessary permits to move the beluga whales to the United States.

Nico and Gasper are the first animals Georgia Aquarium focused on in our 4R program (Rescue, Relocation, Rehabilitation and Research). The 4R program was designed to encourage the participation of our community in some of our mission driven activities. The program allows individuals to participate in the health and well-being of aquatic life from around the world. It also helps the Georgia Aquarium work towards achieving one of its major goals, to be a leading facility for aquatic animal conservation and research.

Nico and Gasper are approximately 17 years old and both are males. They are both around 12 feet long.  

They were transported by Georgia Aquarium staff in specially designed transport units on board a Boeing 767 aircraft donated by UPS that flew direct from Mexico City to Atlanta arriving early morning on October 17, 2005.

Nico is now being maintained with three female belugas Natasha, Maris and Marina. Nico is now in a much better environmental situation, which includes, water quality, sound levels and veterinary medical support.