Smithsonian Magazine · People & society

Four Beluga Whales Die After Rescue From Canadian Marine Park

Four beluga whales, part of a group of 30 relocated from a defunct Canadian marine park, have died. The animals were moved from Marineland in Ontario to facilities in the U.S. and Spain after the park threatened to euthanize them.

Three whales died at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, and one at Oceanografic Valencia in Spain. Post-mortems revealed chronic gastrointestinal disease in two whales, likely predating their transfer. One had ingested foreign objects, another paint flecks.

Shedd acknowledged the animals arrived with "significant vulnerabilities" and outcomes were not guaranteed. Oceanografic Valencia is investigating the death of a dolphin also moved from the park.

Animal rights advocates question if the whales' health was adequately assessed before the move. Experts had visited Marineland and found the animals in good health prior to relocation.

Marineland has faced allegations of cruelty and neglect. Concerns have also been raised about the lack of breeding commitments by participating aquariums, as Canada prohibits breeding for non-research purposes.

Despite the deaths, Shedd's lead veterinarian stated she does not regret the transfer, emphasizing the whales were given a chance rather than being euthanized.

However, some advocates remain pessimistic, anticipating further deaths among the relocated whales.

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