Another beluga whale from Marineland that was relocated to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago has passed away. The aquarium announced the death of Caspian, a 27-year-old female beluga, on Wednesday 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 over the summer. Among those that have perished, four belugas and one dolphin were part of the group relocated from Marineland.
Shedd Aquarium revealed that Caspian had been experiencing eating difficulties and exhibited abnormal electrolyte levels in her blood samples. The veterinary care team noted that her blood became excessively acidic, indicating a severe health condition. Although these findings helped in assessing Caspian’s illness, the exact cause of death remains undetermined. Caspian was kept on life support for nearly four hours before succumbing to her condition.
In recent examinations, necropsies conducted on two other deceased Marineland whales at Shedd, Peekachu and Rain, showed signs of chronic underlying diseases. Shedd Aquarium, along with four other facilities in the United States and Spain, collaborated with Marineland to relocate all 30 belugas and four dolphins within a six-week period this past summer. Marineland had cited financial constraints as the reason for transferring its remaining captive whales and dolphins.
Two of the relocated animals, a beluga named Jelly Bean and a dolphin named Echo, passed away at Oceanografic Valencia in Spain after the transition. The post-mortem details from Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium on the deaths of the belugas hinted at existing gastrointestinal issues. Further necropsy results for the deceased animals are pending. Marineland was contacted for comments but did not respond by the time of publication.