Peekachu, a beluga that recently made the move from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, has passed away at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, as confirmed by the facility on Wednesday. This unfortunate 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 transported to Shedd two weeks ago, was described as “unique” by the aquarium due to an ongoing international rescue initiative that began a month prior. Despite being blind in one eye and smaller in size, Peekachu adeptly adapted to her new surroundings and socialized well.
Initially showing signs of progress by consuming squid, herring, and capelin provided by caretakers, Peekachu’s health took a turn when she stopped eating well, leading to a diagnosis of dehydration through a blood test. Despite efforts to provide medical care and fluids, Peekachu tragically passed away suddenly on Tuesday evening, prompting the conducting of a necropsy.
Marineland expressed sadness over the beluga’s death but assured that the remaining whales in their care at Shedd are receiving optimal treatment. Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson acknowledged Peekachu’s passing as “difficult news” and commended the efforts of Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in swiftly stepping in to ensure the animals’ well-being.
Animal advocate Kaitlyn Mitchell highlighted the departure of Canada’s last captive dolphins, Echo, Lida, Marina, and Tsunami, from Marineland to Spain, emphasizing the risks associated with the relocation of unhealthy belugas. Mitchell criticized the handling of the situation, citing previous deaths and health concerns among the belugas exported to the U.S. in 2021.
The remaining six belugas at Marineland, now the last captive whales in Canada, are scheduled to be moved to a U.S. aquarium as part of the park’s initiative to relocate all animals off-site due to financial constraints. Despite initially planning to sell the belugas and dolphins to a Chinese aquarium, the move was blocked by Ottawa, leading Marineland to seek assistance from American and Spanish aquariums to secure the animals’ future.
The images show the dolphins being prepared for transport at Marineland, capturing the bittersweet nature of the move and the complexities surrounding the captive marine animals’ relocation.