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. 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, who was part of a group of eight belugas airlifted to the Shedd Aquarium two weeks ago, was described as “unique” by the aquarium in light of an ongoing international rescue operation initiated a month ago. According to a blog post, Peekachu, who was visually impaired in one eye and smaller compared to other whales, displayed remarkable adaptability in socializing and navigating her new environment.
Initially showing signs of progress by consuming squid, herring, and capelin provided by caretakers, Peekachu’s health took a downturn as she began to exhibit poor appetite and was diagnosed with dehydration through a blood test. Despite efforts to administer medication and fluids, Peekachu tragically passed away suddenly on Tuesday evening, prompting the initiation of a necropsy.
Expressing grief over the loss, Marineland conveyed confidence in the care provided to the remaining whales at the Shedd Aquarium. Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson extended condolences for Peekachu’s demise, acknowledging the efforts of Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in swiftly intervening to ensure the animals’ well-being.
In a separate development, the four dolphins (Echo, Lida, Marina, and Tsunami) departed Marineland for their new home in Spain, marking the conclusion of Canada’s captive dolphin population. Trainers diligently facilitated the loading of the dolphins and belugas Cleopatra and Jelly Bean onto transport trucks bound for Toronto’s Pearson International Airport en route to Oceanografic Valencia in Spain.
Reflecting on the recent events, Animal Justice’s legal advocacy director expressed sadness but not surprise over Peekachu’s passing, citing long-standing concerns about the belugas’ health and the risks associated with their relocation. Notably, the director highlighted previous losses among exported belugas and emphasized the importance of prioritizing animal welfare over expediting transfers.
With the six remaining belugas at Marineland slated for relocation to a U.S. aquarium, the park’s decision to offload its animal collection due to financial constraints has drawn attention. Following the thwarted attempt to export the belugas and dolphins to China, Marineland sought alternative arrangements with American and Spanish aquarium partners, leading to their dispersal across various locations, including SeaWorld facilities.
The ongoing developments underscore the complexities surrounding marine mammal conservation and captivity practices, prompting calls for heightened vigilance and ethical considerations in safeguarding vulnerable species.
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