Shedd Aquarium in Chicago has reported the unfortunate deaths of two whales following the relocation of 10 beluga whales from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ont. One whale, Rain, arrived from Marineland in mid-August, while the other, Beethoven, was already residing at Shedd. The transfer of 30 belugas and four dolphins to five different locations, including Shedd, was recently completed by Marineland and several other aquariums.
Tragically, another beluga from Marineland, Peekachu, passed away last week due to severe dehydration. Despite immediate efforts to save the whales, Shedd confirmed the deaths on Wednesday afternoon. Tests and necropsies are currently being conducted to determine the cause of the deaths.
Both Shedd and Marineland expressed deep sorrow over the losses, with Marineland particularly saddened by Rain’s death. The relocated animals were the last captive whales and dolphins in Canada following a federal ban on the practice in 2019, with Marineland being granted an exception. Marineland is currently in the process of being sold, with a deal pending on the condition that the animals are removed from the premises, as hundreds of deer still remain at the park.
The plan to relocate the whales to an aquarium in China was blocked by the federal government, leading Marineland to seek alternative solutions to avoid euthanizing the animals. The consortium of international aquariums, including Shedd, SeaWorld locations, Georgia Aquarium, and Oceanografic Valencia in Spain, accepted the whales and dolphins from Marineland.
Prior to each relocation, the animals were given a clean bill of health, with Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson granting final approval for the moves. Unfortunately, Marineland has experienced previous losses, with 19 belugas, one killer whale, and one dolphin passing away between 2019 and 2025. In a separate move in 2021, Marineland transferred five whales to Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, resulting in the deaths of two whales within a year and a third two years post-transfer. Mystic cited pre-existing conditions, while Marineland maintained the whales were healthy upon departure.
