Peekachu, a beluga whale that had recently been transferred from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, passed away at the facility on Wednesday. This unfortunate event coincided with the relocation of two other belugas and four dolphins to Spain.
The 23-year-old female beluga was part of a group of eight belugas that were airlifted to the Shedd Aquarium two weeks ago as part of an ongoing international rescue mission. The aquarium described Peekachu as a unique whale who was blind in one eye and one of the smaller members of the group. Despite these challenges, Peekachu was able to socialize and adapt to her new environment.
Initially showing signs of progress by consuming squid, herring, and capelin provided by caretakers, Peekachu’s condition deteriorated when she stopped eating well, leading to dehydration as revealed by a blood test. Despite efforts to administer medication and fluids on Tuesday evening, Peekachu suddenly passed away. A necropsy is currently underway to determine the cause of death.
Marineland expressed sadness over the loss of Peekachu but assured that the remaining whales under their care at the Shedd Aquarium are receiving optimal treatment. Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson extended condolences, acknowledging the challenges faced in caring for these animals during their transition.
In a separate development, four dolphins named Echo, Lida, Marina, and Tsunami, the last captive dolphins in Canada, departed Marineland for their new home in Spain. This move follows ongoing efforts by animal welfare advocates to relocate the marine mammals to sanctuaries for improved well-being.
Kaitlyn Mitchell, the legal advocacy director for Animal Justice, highlighted the health challenges faced by the belugas at Marineland, expressing concern over the risks associated with their relocation. Mitchell emphasized the need for comprehensive care for the animals before any transfers take place.
The remaining six belugas at Marineland, the last captive whales in Canada, are slated to be moved to a U.S. aquarium as part of the park’s initiative to relocate all its animals due to financial constraints. Previous attempts to sell the belugas and dolphins to an aquarium in China were halted by Canadian authorities, leading to alternative arrangements with American and Spanish aquariums for their transfer.
The saga of Marineland’s marine animals reflects a broader debate on captive marine mammal welfare and the ethical considerations surrounding their relocation and care. The ongoing efforts to ensure the well-being of these animals underscore the complexities of balancing conservation, animal welfare, and commercial interests.