(Ecns.cn) – A female white whale that has refused to mate with two males at the Hangzhou Polar Ocean Park is now suffering from stomach ulcers and a poor appetite, according to a report in the Qianjiang Evening News.
The female is five years old, an age suitable for mating, and shares a bay with its younger sister and the two males. Among them, one male is the "king," while the other also holds a powerful status.
Last month, the king male showed a keen interest in the female, but was met with a stubborn refusal. Not long after, the other male also failed to win her favor. Since then, the two have turned from gentlemen into cruel chauvinists.
At feeding times the king always fills his belly first, followed by the other male, while the female is left hiding in a corner and only allowed to eat whatever is left over. Her younger sister is free to enjoy meals whenever she likes.
The pressure on the female resulted in a loss of appetite starting on Oct 18. The following day she vomited several times and began to suffer from stomach ulcers.
When veterinarians used a gastroscope to observe the inside of the whale's three stomachs on Tuesday, they found four bloody spots.
Mei Quanhua, the head of the medical group, said the ulcers may be the result of depression, as well as nervousness caused by intrusive visitors. In the following days, the whale will continue to be given antibiotics and stomach massages.
