A dolphin that was relocated from Marineland to Spain has passed away, marking the fifth death among the animals transferred from the closed tourist site in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The deceased dolphin, named Echo, was a blind Black Sea bottlenose dolphin estimated to be 30 years old. Oceanogràfic de València reported that Echo encountered difficulties with swallowing and breathing, leading to her demise despite the efforts of the veterinary team.

Echo, along with other dolphins and belugas, was transported to Oceanogràfic on a 19-hour journey from Niagara Falls on August 26. One of the belugas, named Jelly Bean, had previously died. Oceanogràfic is currently conducting necropsies on the deceased animals to determine the cause of death. The remaining rescued animals from Canada are reported to be in good health and are being closely monitored by the professional teams at Oceanogràfic.

The loss of Echo has deeply impacted the Oceanogràfic team, who had been providing specialized care for her due to her specific needs. The deaths of four belugas and one dolphin have occurred following the relocation of 30 belugas and four dolphins from Marineland to various parks over the summer. Investigations are ongoing at both Shedd Aquarium and Oceanogràfic to ascertain the reasons behind the animals’ deaths.

Marineland ceased operations in 2024 due to financial constraints, prompting the need to relocate the whales to other facilities. A deal with Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China was rejected by Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, citing concerns about animal welfare. The move of the whales and dolphins to American and Spanish aquariums was completed between July and August with the approval of all involved veterinarians and authorities.