Circulating levels of thyroid hormones in beluga whales

text size:

The purpose of this study is to determine whether circulating levels of total thyroxine (tT4), total triiodothyronine (tT3), and thyroid sitmulating hormone (TSH) are subject to biological and environmental influences as a function of age, sex, or season in aquarium belugas and if these hormones reveal any significant metabolic adaptation in wild beluga whales.

To date, because no accurate ranges exist for reference, thyroid hormones in beluga whales have been poorly explored and under-utilized. The data gained from this project is an important first step in our understanding of thyroid hormones in this species. This research will provide baseline T3, T4, and TSH levels for thyroid health monitoring and comprehensive health assessments in both aquarium-maintained and wild belugas.

We are accredited by:

Past Projects

Chase and Encircle Stress Study

DNA Vaccination in Penguins

Stranded Seal Tracking Study

Steller Sea Lion Vitamin Study

Penguin Salt Supplementation Study

Artificial insemination of beluga whales

Effect of an artificial fish diet on beluga whales

Monitoring blood values and hormone levels in molting African penguins

Our Mission

The mission of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., which includes Mystic Aquarium, Ocean Exploration Center and JASON Learning, is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through education, research and exploration.