Smithsonian Magazine · People & society

Four Beluga Whales Died After Rescue From Canadian Marine Park

Four beluga whales rescued from a defunct Canadian marine park have died in recent months following their transfer to new facilities in the United States and Spain. The whales were among 30 relocated from Marineland in Ontario after the park threatened to euthanize them due to financial difficulties.

Three whales died at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, and one died at Oceanogràfic València in Spain. Post-mortem examinations revealed chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal disease in two of the whales, likely predating their move. One whale had ingested foreign objects, and another appears to have eaten paint flecks.

Shedd Aquarium is conducting further analysis on one of the deceased whales, noting that the animals arrived with significant vulnerabilities and outcomes could not be guaranteed.

Oceanogràfic València is also performing necropsies on another deceased whale and a dolphin that was also transferred from Marineland.

Animal rights advocates question whether the whales' health was adequately assessed before the transfers, suggesting more could have been done to ensure their well-being.

Veterinarians who assessed the animals prior to the move reported them to be in good health at the time.

Marineland has faced allegations of cruelty and neglect, with advocates arguing that earlier intervention could have improved the whales' condition for the transfer.

Concerns have also been raised about the lack of a breeding commitment from participating aquariums, as Canada prohibits breeding whales for non-research purposes.

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