Vancouver Aquarium released an emailed statement that said its second beluga whale in two weeks, Aurora, had died. Aurora was surrounded by people who loved her when she passed away, including some who have cared for her since she arrived at the facility in 1990, according to the statement.

“The past two weeks have been extremely difficult and today’s loss has left a hole in our hearts,” spokesperson Deanna Lancaster wrote in the email. “On behalf of our team of 1,500 staff and volunteers, we’d like to thank everyone who has reached out to us with warm messages of support and offers of help. You’ve shared countless stories of how Aurora and Qila have impacted you and your family and we’re grateful to everyone who has shared those connections with us.”

Veterinarian Dr. Martin Haulena says Aurora’s progress went from grim to promising as she sought scratches and rubs from trainers who hadn’t seen such behavior in almost two weeks.

At the time, Haulena said Aurora had a long way to go before she might regain full health because she hasn’t consumed enough calories since becoming ill.

Aurora had been stricken by an unknown illness, with symptoms of abdominal cramping, loss of appetite and lethargy, since her offspring Qila died suddenly at the aquarium. When Aurora became ill, she was moved to a medical pool for round-the-clock care.

"Named after the aurora borealis, or northern lights, Aurora immediately won hearts and inspired generations of visitors, employees and volunteers with her curious nature and gentle personality," added the statement.

Aurora was the only remaining beluga whale at the aquarium.

Vancouver Aquarium’s long-time resident beluga whale Qila — Aurora's calf — died two weeks earlier.

The Aquarium also emailed a statement after Qila died, saying Qila’s death was a “sudden loss.”

Qila was born at the Vancouver Aquarium on July 23, 1995, becoming the first beluga whale born in a Canadian aquarium.

Qila’s mother, Aurora, arrived at the Vancouver Aquarium from Churchill, Manitoba, in the summer of 1990. She was born in approximately 1987.

Qila’s calf Tiqa was born in 2008, but died three years later because of an infection. Qila’s father Nanuq died in 2015 while on loan to SeaWorld in Orlando.

“For two decades, Qila has engaged with and inspired tens of millions of people locally, across Canada and around the world,” reads the aquarium’s statement on Qila’s death.

“She was a delight for our team of staff and volunteers every single day — always the first to give us a wink, a little tail flap or a head bob in the morning. It is difficult to put into words the love we all had for her. We will miss her immensely.”

Qila was 21 years old when she passed away. Vancouver Aquarium has previously said beluga whales are believed to live to about 25 to 30 years old in the wild. But other estimates range from 35 to 50 years, and even as long as 60-70 years.

In 2014, the Vancouver Park Board voted to keep the cetacean program at the Vancouver Aquarium, but banned most breeding.

Animal activists have been voicing their concerns about whales kept in captivity for years.

Vancouver Humane Society is once again calling on the Vancouver Aquarium to end its cetacean program.

“Qila’s death is extremely sad, but the fact she spent 21 years in a concrete pool instead of being free in the open ocean is tragic,” said Vancouver Humane Society spokesperson Peter Fricker in a release.

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