Loss of a Second Filial Generation Captive Bred Chinese Sturgeon at Ocean Park

Ocean Park is saddened to announce the loss of a second filial generation captive bred Chinese sturgeon today, as a result of severe multi-systemic infectious disease. Despite continuous medical treatment and supportive care provided by the Park’s animal care team, the sturgeon failed to recover and passed away at 08:45 am today.
 
Since December 2017, the sturgeon was observed with several episodes of reduced appetite and signs of a gill infection. Despite targeted medical therapy such as with antibiotic and antifungal medications, the sturgeon’s illness progressed and it eventually succumbed to its illness. Initial necropsy results confirm the presence of multi-systemic infectious disease.
 
Ms. Suzanne Gendron, Executive Director of Zoological Operations and Conservation, said, “It is with deep sadness that we report the loss of one of our important animal ambassadors. We are working closely with the Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute (YRFRI) to identify and understand the cause of the infection that affected the fish, in order to increase survivorship of sturgeons under human care in the future. We will continue to monitor the rest of the sturgeons, conduct regular health screening and physical examinations, as well as monitor water quality to ensure they stay healthy.”
 
Professor Wei Qiwei of the Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, said, “We are sorry to see that the sturgeon failed to thrive, despite the immense amount of effort Ocean Park has put into treating and caring for the sturgeon. The YRFRI and Ocean Park share the common goal of preventing the extinction of Chinese sturgeons in the wild, and we will continue to work towards this goal through enhancing husbandry and conservation of this species.”
 
Ocean Park’s Chinese Sturgeon Aquarium - Yangtze Exploration is currently home to 10 captive bred sturgeons under the research collaboration with the YRFRI. The Park has already informed the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing Aquarium and YRFRI of the incident.