A beluga whale that was rescued from Marineland in Ontario has passed away, according to a California aquarium, which contributes to the increasing number of deaths among animals relocated from the now-defunct Canadian facility over the summer.
SeaWorld San Diego shared on Facebook that Cyprus, a nine-year-old male beluga who arrived at the park on August 22, ceased eating on Friday. An ultrasound examination later revealed that the whale’s intestinal tract was not functioning properly.
The park noted that Cyprus had been thriving since his arrival, eating regularly and interacting positively with his trainers and animal care staff, as well as with two other rescued belugas.
However, they mentioned that belugas often conceal discomfort or underlying health issues that may not be immediately apparent, and they will carry out a comprehensive necropsy.
Marineland, located in Niagara Falls, Ontario, had previously stated that financial difficulties prevented it from continuing to care for the remaining captive whales and dolphins in Canada. Consequently, a mass relocation effort led to the transfer of 30 belugas and four dolphins to various facilities.
Over the summer, Marineland moved 34 of its remaining belugas and dolphins to aquariums in the U.S. and Spain to avoid euthanasia. However, four belugas and one dolphin have died in their new environments since then. On Friday, the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago provided post-mortem information regarding the deaths of two belugas, revealing that they were suffering from ‘significant gastrointestinal disease.’ Results from necropsies for the other deceased animals are still pending. CBC News attempted to contact Marineland for comments but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
SeaWorld San Diego reported that the other rescued belugas in their care are stable and are being closely monitored as they acclimate to their new environment.
“As we have indicated, this process will take a considerable amount of time. Our commitment to the health, well-being, and care of these belugas, like every animal we rescue, continues,” the facility stated in a social media update on Sunday.
It was also mentioned that once the necropsy is finished, the findings related to Cyprus’s death will be communicated to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Just under two weeks ago, Shedd Aquarium in Chicago announced the death of Caspian, a 27-year-old female beluga relocated from Marineland, despite attempts to save her. Caspian had been struggling with her appetite, and blood tests indicated imbalances in her electrolyte levels, according to Shedd.
The aquarium also conducted necropsies on Peekachu and Rain, two other belugas from Marineland that died there, finding that they suffered from chronic, pre-existing health conditions.
Additionally, a beluga named Jelly Bean and a dolphin named Echo also passed away at Oceanografic Valencia in Spain following their relocation.
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