Samka, one of only walruses to give birth in captivitiy in Canada, dies in Quebec

Walruses Arnaliaq, left, and Samka rest on the side of a pool, Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at the Quebec aquarium in Quebec City. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

QUEBEC -- One of the only walruses to give birth in captivity in Canada has died in Quebec City's aquarium.

The aquarium says in a statement that 13-year-old Samka died Thursday night.

The establishment says the walrus had appeared unwell for the past few days but they're not yet sure what caused her death.

Samka made headlines in 2016 when she and the aquarium's other female, Arnaliaq, gave birth within weeks of each other.

The aquarium said at the time they were the first full-term walrus babies born in captivity in Canada.

The two young walruses, Lakina and Balzak, were transferred to Vancouver's aquarium late last year.

The director of the Aquarium du Quebec says the entire staff was devastated by Samka's loss.

"She was a very playful animal, to which all our staff was as attached as our visitors were," Elizabeth Tessier said in a statement.

A necropsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.