Peekachu, a beluga whale that was recently transferred from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, has passed away at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, as confirmed by the facility on Wednesday. On the same day, two other belugas and four dolphins were being relocated to Spain.
The 23-year-old female beluga was part of a group of eight belugas that were airlifted to the Shedd Aquarium two weeks ago. The aquarium described Peekachu as “unique” and highlighted her resilience despite being blind in one eye and smaller in size compared to the other whales. Initially showing signs of progress by consuming squid, herring, and capelin, Peekachu later experienced a decline in appetite and was found to be dehydrated through a blood test. Despite efforts to provide medical assistance and fluids, Peekachu passed away suddenly on Tuesday evening, prompting the initiation of a necropsy.
While expressing sadness over Peekachu’s death, Marineland emphasized that the remaining whales under their care are receiving top-notch treatment at the Shedd Aquarium. Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson acknowledged the news of Peekachu’s passing, extending gratitude to the organizations involved in the rescue efforts and emphasizing the importance of providing a new chapter in life for these animals.
The Canadian Press reported that the four dolphins (Echo, Lida, Marina, and Tsunami) from Marineland, now en route to Oceanografic Valencia in Spain, represent Canada’s final captive dolphins. Animal advocacy groups, such as Animal Justice, expressed concern over the health and well-being of the belugas, pointing out the risks associated with their relocation. The organization highlighted previous instances where belugas faced health issues after being exported to the U.S. and raised questions about the handling of the animals by authorities.
As the six remaining belugas at Marineland prepare for relocation to a U.S. aquarium, the park’s decision to offload its animals due to financial constraints has drawn scrutiny. Originally intended for transfer to China, the belugas and dolphins faced obstacles due to Canadian regulations prohibiting whale and dolphin captivity. Following a series of relocations to American and Spanish aquariums, including SeaWorld facilities, Marineland’s transition away from animal captivity continues amidst ongoing discussions about the welfare of the remaining marine mammals.