A dolphin that was relocated from Marineland has passed away in Spain, marking the fifth death of animals from the now-closed tourist spot in Niagara Falls, Ontario, following a significant transfer of whales and dolphins during the summer.
On Wednesday, Oceanogràfic de València confirmed the death of Echo, a blind Black Sea bottlenose dolphin estimated to be around 30 years old.
The statement from Oceanogràfic mentioned that Echo started experiencing difficulties with swallowing and breathing, leading to her being moved to the medical pool. Unfortunately, her condition worsened rapidly and she passed away despite the efforts of Oceanogràfic’s animal care and veterinary teams.
Echo, along with three other dolphins and two belugas, was transported to Oceanogràfic on a 19-hour journey from the closed Niagara Falls tourist attraction on August 26.
One of the belugas, Jelly Bean, passed away last week.
Necropsies are being conducted on both animals by Oceanogràfic, in addition to an examination by pathology experts at CEU Cardenal Herrera University, in an effort to determine the cause of death.
Oceanogràfic stated, “The other four animals that were rescued from Canada are in good health and continue to be cared for and monitored by Oceanogràfic’s professional teams.”
“The loss of Echo is particularly challenging for the Oceanogràfic staff, who had dedicated special attention to her well-being and needs since her arrival.”
Four belugas and one dolphin have now passed away after Marineland relocated 30 belugas and four dolphins to five different parks during the summer.
Three of the belugas died at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, along with one of the resident belugas at the park.
