Another beluga whale that was relocated from Marineland has passed away at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. The aquarium announced the death of Caspian, a 27-year-old female beluga, despite attempts to save her. This marks the sixth death of animals from the closed Niagara Falls theme park following a significant transfer of whales and dolphins during the summer.
Since being moved from Marineland, four belugas and one dolphin have succumbed to death. Shedd Aquarium reported that Caspian was experiencing eating difficulties, with blood tests revealing abnormalities in her electrolyte levels and dangerously acidic blood. Despite providing intensive veterinary care, the cause of Caspian’s death remains undetermined.
Caspian was placed on life support for nearly four hours before passing away, as confirmed by the aquarium. Previously, necropsies conducted on two other deceased Marineland whales, Peekachu and Rain, revealed chronic underlying diseases. Shedd Aquarium, along with aquariums in the United States and Spain, assisted in the relocation of all 30 belugas and four dolphins from Marineland over a six-week period earlier this year.
Marineland had cited financial constraints as the reason for the transfer, stating an inability to sustain the remaining captive whales and dolphins in Canada. Tragically, following the relocation, a beluga named Jelly Bean and a dolphin named Echo also perished at Oceanografic Valencia in Spain.