SeaWorld San Diego has reported the passing of Cyprus, a nine-year-old beluga whale rescued from Marineland in Ontario, marking another loss among animals relocated from the now-defunct Canadian facility over the summer. Cyprus, who arrived at the park on August 22, ceased eating on Friday, prompting concerns about his intestinal health following an ultrasound examination that detected abnormalities.
Although Cyprus initially showed positive progress by engaging with trainers and consistently consuming food alongside two other rescued belugas, the aquarium highlighted belugas’ ability to conceal discomfort or underlying issues. A comprehensive necropsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of Cyprus’s death.
Marineland in Niagara Falls faced financial constraints, leading to the transfer of 30 belugas and four dolphins to alternative facilities to avert euthanasia. Unfortunately, several animals, including four belugas and one dolphin, have since passed away in their new environments. The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago disclosed post-mortem findings indicating significant gastrointestinal illness in two belugas.
SeaWorld San Diego assured that the remaining rescued belugas are in stable condition and are closely monitored as they acclimate to their new surroundings. The facility emphasized its ongoing dedication to the well-being of these animals and confirmed that the cause of Cyprus’s death will be shared with the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration upon completion of the necropsy.
In a separate incident, Shedd Aquarium announced the death of Caspian, a 27-year-old female beluga relocated from Marineland, due to complications from not eating properly and electrolyte imbalances. Necropsies conducted on other deceased Marineland whales, Peekachu and Rain, revealed underlying chronic diseases. Additionally, a beluga named Jelly Bean and a dolphin named Echo passed away at Oceanografic Valencia in Spain following their relocation.
The series of deaths among relocated animals has raised concerns and prompted investigations into the circumstances surrounding their early demise.
