Two more beluga whales have tragically passed away at a Chicago aquarium, adding to the recent string of deaths following a major relocation effort involving 30 belugas and four dolphins from Marineland.
According to a statement from Shedd Aquarium, the whales Rain and Beethoven died on Wednesday despite all immediate efforts by animal care and veterinary teams to save them. Rain, a 20-year-old beluga, had arrived at Shedd in mid-August after being moved from Marineland in Ontario.
Shedd expressed the challenges of coping with these losses, emphasizing the need for time to determine the causes of their deaths through ongoing necropsies, blood tests, and further examinations.
Marineland, where the whales were previously housed, conveyed deep sorrow upon learning of Rain’s passing, expressing support for the trainers and staff who cared for the beluga.
Recent efforts by Marineland, Shedd, and other aquariums resulted in the relocation of captive whales to various destinations, marking a historic move following the Canadian government’s ban on captivity for whales and dolphins in 2019. The closure of Marineland, founded by John Holer and operated by his widow Marie Holer until her passing, was prompted by financial struggles, leading to the urgent need to rehome the remaining animals.
