First test-tube dolphin in Japan dies of starvation

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http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/getarticle.pl5?nn20051230a6.htm

 

First test-tube dolphin in Japan dies of starvation

 

The Associated Press

 

Japan's first dolphin conceived by artificial

insemination died Tuesday at Kamogawa Sea World in

Kamogawa, Chiba Prefecture.

 

Will, a 2.3-meter, 170-kg bottlenose dolphin born in

September 2004, died early Tuesday after he stopped

eating, according to an aquarium statement released

Wednesday.

 

" We're all overcome by grief, " said Kazutoshi Arai, a

spokesman for the aquarium, in Chiba Prefecture.

 

Keepers transferred Will to a special treatment pool

last week with his mother, Norma, after the young

dolphin suddenly stopped eating.

 

Preliminary autopsy results suggest Will suffered from

volvulus, a twisting of the intestines, the aquarium

said.

 

It is unclear whether Will's death had anything to do

with the method of his conception.

 

The Japan Times: Dec. 30, 2005

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