By Salma El-Sakka
Six beluga whales rescued from the now-closed Marineland of Canada amusement park in Ontario have died after being transferred to facilities in the United States and Spain, according to new necropsy details released by the receiving institutions.
The whales, including Osiris and Caspian, were moved as Marineland wound down operations in 2024. Both died at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium, along with two others, Peekachu and Rain. Two additional belugas died at SeaWorld San Diego and Oceanogràfic València in Spain.
Necropsies Reveal Chronic Health Issues
Necropsies on Osiris, a 26-year-old female who died September 21, and Caspian, a 27-year-old female who died October 7, show severely depleted fat reserves and abnormalities in organs including livers and adrenal glands. Osiris had chronic liver disease; Caspian also showed muscle loss, chronic intestinal inflammation, and acute small intestine damage with significant metabolic abnormalities.
Other Deaths Linked to Longstanding Digestive Disease
Peekachu and Rain, also transferred to Shedd Aquarium, suffered from significant chronic gastrointestinal disease with longstanding inflammation in their digestive systems. Cyprus, a nine-year-old male, died at SeaWorld San Diego in October with ultrasound indicating intestinal tract dysfunction. Jelly Bean died September 17 at Oceanogràfic València.
Marineland Closure Prompted Urgent Relocation
Marineland closed amid financial difficulties. Prior to the whales' transfer, a park spokesperson warned Canada's fisheries ministry that the belugas might face euthanasia if not relocated, citing a funding crisis that jeopardized their welfare.
Surviving Whales Adapting Well
The six remaining belugas at Shedd Aquarium — Acadia, Lillooet, Sierra, Secord, Gimli, and Yukon — are reportedly becoming more active and social, eating full daily diets and showing curiosity about their surroundings.
