Post-mortem examinations of two former beluga whales from Marineland revealed that they were ill upon their recent transfer to Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. Peekachu, aged 23, and Rain, aged 20, were part of a relocation effort involving 30 belugas and four dolphins from Niagara Falls, Ontario, to various U.S. and Spanish aquariums. Preliminary medical results indicated a chronic gastrointestinal illness in the whales, which had likely been present for an extended period before their arrival at Shedd.
Additionally, the examinations discovered foreign objects in the stomachs of the female belugas, including bird feathers, sticks, and large rocks in Peekachu, and small paint-like material in Rain. Shedd Aquarium stated that these foreign materials were not directly linked to the whales’ deaths, and no evidence of communicable diseases was found. The necropsy results for the other deceased animals are still pending.
Marineland, which faced financial challenges and had threatened euthanasia for the animals last year, expressed regret over the deaths. The Fisheries Minister’s office condemned the neglect of the whales’ health before their relocation. Concerns were raised about the animals’ health before the move, with experts questioning their readiness for transfer. Animal welfare advocates have long warned about the risks associated with moving the animals, anticipating further deaths among the relocated belugas and dolphins.