Marineland has completed the relocation of all its remaining captive whales and dolphins to five different destinations following the Canadian government’s prohibition on keeping captive whales in the country in 2019. The closure of the Ontario theme park led to the transfer of 30 belugas and four dolphins, marking the largest-ever movement of these animals.
Unfortunately, there have been fatalities among the transferred animals, with the most recent death occurring on September 24 at the Oceanogrà fic de València in Spain. Echo, a blind Black Sea bottlenose dolphin aged around 30, was one of the casualties, passing away due to severe vision and other health issues shortly after arrival at the facility.
The stress of transportation can significantly impact belugas, according to marine mammal biology expert Naomi Rose. The physiological stress experienced during transport is closely linked to psychological stress, as stated by marine mammal scientist Valeria Vergara.
Several deaths have raised concerns about the well-being of the relocated animals, prompting investigations by the respective facilities. While some belugas are adapting well in their new environments, others have faced health challenges leading to tragic outcomes.
Experts emphasize the significant stress and challenges involved in transporting and acclimating belugas to new surroundings, highlighting the complexities and risks associated with captive whale transfers. Despite the unfortunate losses, the relocation efforts were deemed necessary due to the inability of Marineland to provide adequate care for the animals.
The ongoing investigations and monitoring aim to shed light on the causes of the deaths and ensure the welfare of the remaining whales and dolphins. Concerns persist about the future health and survival of these animals as they adjust to their new homes.
