Peekachu, a beluga whale previously housed at Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, has passed away at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. Concurrently, two other belugas and four dolphins were in the process of being relocated to Spain.
The 23-year-old female beluga was one of eight belugas transferred to Shedd two weeks ago as part of an international rescue initiative. The aquarium described Peekachu as “unique,” highlighting her ability to adapt and socialize despite being blind in one eye and smaller in size.
Initially showing signs of progress by consuming squid, herring, and capelin, Peekachu’s health deteriorated when she stopped eating well and was diagnosed as dehydrated through a blood test. Despite efforts to provide medication and fluids, Peekachu passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday evening, with a necropsy currently underway.
While expressing sadness over the loss, Marineland emphasized that their other whales at Shedd are receiving optimal care. Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson conveyed her condolences, acknowledging the challenging circumstances surrounding Peekachu’s death.
In a separate development, four dolphins departed Marineland for a new home in Spain, marking the last captive dolphins in Canada. Animal advocacy groups have raised concerns over the well-being of these animals during the relocation process, citing previous deaths and health issues among Marineland’s belugas.
Furthermore, plans are in place to move the remaining six belugas from Marineland to a U.S. aquarium, following the relocation of all animals due to financial constraints faced by the park. Previous attempts to sell the belugas and dolphins to China were thwarted by Canadian regulations prohibiting whale and dolphin captivity.
The ongoing saga at Marineland underscores the challenges and controversies surrounding captive marine mammals, with advocates calling for improved welfare standards and thoughtful consideration in animal relocations.
