ATLANTA -- The Georgia Aquarium still has no idea what caused their beloved Beluga whale to suddenly die earlier this week.
For the first time, 11Alive heard from the people who run the facility and care for the animals everyday.
And to them, everything seemed normal before the sudden death.
In fact, Maris had an ultrasound on her abdomen that morning - and everything came back normal.
She ate breakfast, she was fine.
Then suddenly, she took a turn for the worse.
21-year-old Maris inspired millions across the country.
When her two calves died shortly after birth, people were saddened.
But no one can explain what happened to her Thursday.
Aquarium officials said she was fine in the morning.
"We check all the animals first thing in the morning. Maris was bright, alert, responsive, she was eating and interacting with the other animals," Eric Gaglione, vice president of zoological operations said. "Shortly after lunch there was an abrupt change in her swimming behavior. It was uncharacteristic and she looked a little odd."
Immediately, staffers got into the water.
But Maris wouldn't respond to her trainers.
"She then, in a very short period of time, drifted down toward the bottom," Gaglione said. "We saw the other whales paying close attention to her. She then surfaced for a breath then rolled over and looked unresponsive."
Maris was taken to the medical pool but by then it was too late.
Shortly before 2 p.m., Thursday, Maris was pronounced dead.
An autopsy is still being performed by the University of Georgia Veterinary School.
They expect results in the next four to six weeks.
But a final answer still may be elusive.
"We may never know why she passed," Georgia Aquarium Chairman and CEO Mike Leven said.
Aquarium staffers told us the other two Belugas were anxious the day Maris died, but they appear to be recovering.
The CEO of the Georgia Aquarium said they plan to keep this exhibit open and they plan to acquire more belugas in the future.
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