In a recent development, Canada’s final captive dolphins are being relocated from Marineland to Spain as part of a global effort to transfer marine mammals, including beluga whales, from the closed facility in Niagara Falls, Ontario. However, tragedy struck when a beluga whale that had been moved to Shedd Aquarium in Chicago from Marineland two weeks ago passed away.
Shedd Aquarium reported that Peekachu, a 23-year-old female beluga, died suddenly on Tuesday night after being diagnosed as dehydrated following blood tests. Despite efforts to provide care and fluids, the whale could not be saved, leading to deep sadness among the staff who had been caring for her. Marineland expressed sorrow over the loss while assuring that the remaining whales are receiving excellent care at Shedd.
At Marineland, trainers spent several hours on Wednesday morning loading four dolphins and two belugas onto transport trucks bound for Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. From there, the animals will be transported to Oceanografic Valencia in Spain. The dolphins Echo, Lida, Marina, and Tsunami will be accompanied by belugas Cleopatra and Jelly Bean on this journey.
Meanwhile, the six belugas still at Marineland, the last captive whales in Canada, are scheduled to be transferred to a U.S. aquarium soon. This relocation marks the largest collective movement of captive whales and dolphins, involving 30 belugas and four dolphins, which has been ongoing since mid-July as Marineland clears its premises. The park, facing financial difficulties, has decided to sell off its animals.
Initially, Marineland had sold all its belugas and dolphins to a Chinese aquarium, but the Canadian government intervened, citing a 2019 law that prohibits whale and dolphin captivity, breeding, and performances. Following the government’s refusal to allow the move to China, Marineland threatened to euthanize the animals unless emergency funding was provided. Subsequently, American and Spanish aquariums collaborated to assist Marineland, with belugas also being sent to various SeaWorld locations.
The complex operation of moving these marine mammals has been captured in images showing the dolphins being prepared for transport and hoisted onto trucks at Marineland. These efforts reflect the ongoing efforts to ensure the welfare and safety of the animals during this significant transition.
