2 Year-Old Whale Dies While Being Treated For Stomach Problem

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — A 2-year-old female beluga whale with apparent stomach trouble has died at SeaWorld San Antonio.

A park statement says the whale named Stella died Friday while being treated for gastrointestinal problems.

No immediate cause of death was released. Necropsy results are pending. Staffers are monitoring the other seven belugas at the park, as a precaution.

A SeaWorld statement says Stella inspired fans to care about her species, plus helped contribute to a greater understanding of beluga behavior in the scientific community.

SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. last week announced it will end orca shows at its San Diego park after visitors made it clear they prefer seeing killer whales act naturally rather than doing tricks.

Orca shows continue at SeaWorld parks in San Antonio and Orlando, Florida, where the company is based.