Beluga whales die following relocation from Marineland

Four beluga whales have died following a massive international relocation effort from the shuttered Marineland park in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The whales were moved to prevent euthanasia after the park closed due to financial difficulties.

At the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, three belugas—Peekachu, Rain, and Osiris—have passed away. Osiris, a 26-year-old female, died following sudden changes in respiratory patterns and behavior despite veterinary intervention. The aquarium noted that Osiris had been a ‘subject of clinical concern’ due to inconsistent eating habits.

A fourth beluga, Jelly Bean, died at the Oceanogràfic in Valencia, Spain. The relocation involved 30 belugas and four dolphins being distributed among various aquariums in the United States and Spain.

Animal welfare advocates, including Animal Justice, have raised questions regarding the transparency of the transfer process and the health of the animals prior to their move. While Canadian officials defended the operation as a necessary rescue, critics have questioned whether the stress of the relocation contributed to the sudden deaths.