Canada’s last captive dolphins have bid farewell to Marineland for a new life in Spain, while a beluga recently transferred from the park has tragically passed away at a Chicago aquarium.
At the now-closed theme park in Niagara Falls, Ontario, trainers carefully loaded four dolphins – Echo, Lida, Marina, and Tsunami – as well as belugas Cleopatra and Jelly Bean onto transport trucks bound for Toronto Pearson International Airport. From there, they embarked on a journey to their new home at Oceanografic Valencia.
Andrew Burns, advisor to Marineland, shared that the transition went smoothly, marking the departure of the final beluga females held in captivity in Canada. However, the news of Peekachu, a 23-year-old beluga who recently arrived in the United States and subsequently passed away, has left both Marineland and Shedd Aquarium in Chicago in mourning.
Peekachu’s unexpected death, attributed to dehydration despite efforts to provide care and fluids, has prompted Shedd to conduct a necropsy for further insights. While the rescued belugas continue to be closely monitored, the loss has cast a shadow over the ongoing relocation efforts.
As Marineland prepares to transfer its remaining six belugas to the U.S., the process signifies the largest collective movement of captive whales and dolphins in the country. Facing financial challenges and unable to sustain their care, the park has been coordinating with international aquariums for assistance in relocating the marine mammals.
Expressing deep sorrow over Peekachu’s passing, Marineland acknowledged the diligent care provided by Shedd Aquarium and expressed confidence in the well-being of the whales now under their watch.
