The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago has reported that several beluga whales transferred from Marineland in Ontario are facing health issues. The aquarium stated that they are providing continuous supervision and monitoring the whales’ hydration, breathing rates, swim behavior, social interactions, and other activities.
Following the recent deaths of three whales at the Shedd Aquarium, including two belugas from Marineland, the facility confirmed the passing of Peekachu, a beluga from Marineland, on August 25, two weeks after its relocation. Another beluga named Rain, aged 20, and a 34-year-old beluga from Chicago also passed away.
The remaining belugas’ health status remains uncertain, with the aquarium awaiting lab results as part of their investigation into the deaths. Shedd Aquarium mentioned that some belugas are displaying positive signs while others are showing clinical concerns, emphasizing that their condition can fluctuate rapidly.
Belugas primarily receive hydration from the fish they consume, and while some rescued whales are eating regularly, others are not. The overall health status of the belugas is still below the desired standards, according to the Shedd Aquarium.
Before their relocation, the belugas from Marineland were declared healthy, with Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson granting final approval for the transfers. Marineland recently completed the largest collective movement of captive whales globally, relocating 30 belugas and four dolphins to aquariums in the United States and Spain over several weeks.
The recent transfer marked the end of whale captivity in Canada, as Marineland had threatened to euthanize the belugas if emergency funding was not secured. The park’s adviser, Andrew Burns, stated that they were in a critical financial situation and would have euthanized the whales if relocation efforts had failed.
Several whales have died post-relocation, including incidents involving five whales moved to Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut in 2021. Three of the whales died within two years of the transfer, with conflicting statements from Mystic Aquarium and Marineland regarding their health conditions.
Between 2019 and 2025, Marineland reported the deaths of 19 belugas, one killer whale, and one dolphin.