Peekachu, a beluga that recently departed Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ont., has passed away at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, as confirmed by the facility on Wednesday. This tragic event coincided with the relocation of two other belugas and four dolphins to Spain on the same day.
The 23-year-old female beluga, part of a group of eight belugas transferred to Shedd two weeks ago, was described as “unique” by the aquarium due to her participation in an ongoing international rescue operation that commenced a month earlier. Despite being blind in one eye and smaller in size, Peekachu managed to integrate well with her new environment and companions.
According to a blog post, Peekachu initially exhibited positive signs by consuming squid, herring, and capelin provided by caretakers. However, her eating habits deteriorated, and a subsequent blood test revealed dehydration. Efforts were made to administer medication and fluids, but tragically, Peekachu passed away suddenly on Tuesday evening. A necropsy is currently underway to determine the cause of death.
Marineland expressed sorrow over Peekachu’s demise but assured that the remaining whales under their care at Shedd are receiving top-notch treatment. Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson extended her condolences, acknowledging the challenging news and praising the efforts of Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums for their swift intervention in ensuring the well-being of the animals.
Furthermore, the four dolphins (Echo, Lida, Marina, and Tsunami) that departed Marineland for Spain mark the last captive dolphins in Canada, as reported by The Canadian Press. Animal advocate Kaitlyn Mitchell emphasized the health challenges faced by the belugas and the risks associated with their relocation, citing previous deaths among exported belugas in 2021 and within Marineland since 2019.
Mitchell criticized the rushed approach to transferring the animals off the Marineland premises, suggesting that better care could have been provided before relocation. She highlighted the deteriorating health conditions of the whales and the need for comprehensive assessment and care before moving them.
The article also mentions the impending transfer of the remaining six belugas in Marineland to a U.S. aquarium, marking the conclusion of the relocation of all 30 belugas and four dolphins from the facility. Marineland’s financial constraints and the ban on whale and dolphin captivity in Canada led to the decision to move the animals to American and Spanish aquariums, following the cancellation of a planned transfer to China.
Efforts to relocate the belugas and dolphins reflect a shift in Marineland’s operations, with the goal of providing a better environment for the animals and complying with animal welfare regulations. The move signifies a significant shift in the treatment and management of marine mammals in captivity.
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