Shedd Aquarium in Chicago has reported the unfortunate deaths of two whales following the transfer of 10 beluga whales from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ont. One of the deceased whales, Rain, arrived from Marineland in mid-August, while the other, Beethoven, was already residing at Shedd. Marineland, in collaboration with Shedd and other aquariums, recently undertook a significant operation to relocate captive whales, transferring 30 belugas and four dolphins to five different destinations.
Tragically, another beluga from Marineland, Peekachu, passed away last week due to severe dehydration. Despite immediate efforts to save the whales, Shedd confirmed that the deaths occurred on Wednesday afternoon. The aquarium is conducting tests and necropsies to determine the causes of death.
Expressing their sorrow, Shedd stated that obtaining concrete answers about the circumstances leading to the whales’ deaths will require time. Marineland expressed deep sadness over Rain’s death, offering condolences to the trainers and staff who cared for Rain.
The relocated marine animals were the final captive whales and dolphins in Canada following a 2019 federal ban on the practice. Marineland, which is currently up for sale, is reportedly close to finalizing a land deal contingent on the removal of the animals, as several hundred deer remain on the premises. The park ceased public operations in 2024, following the passing of its founder, John Holer, in 2018, and his widow, Marie Holer, shortly after the park’s closure.
Regarding the whales’ relocation, the federal government thwarted a prior plan to move the animals to a Chinese aquarium, prompting Marineland to seek alternative solutions. The whales and dolphins have since been transferred to various locations, including Shedd Aquarium, SeaWorld sites in San Diego and San Antonio, Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, and Oceanografic Valencia in Spain.
Before each move, the animals received approval from Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, with a clean bill of health reported in the days leading up to the transfers. Notably, a total of 19 belugas, one killer whale, and one dolphin passed away at Marineland between 2019 and 2025. In a previous relocation to Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut in 2021, five whales were moved, with two dying within a year of the transfer and the third two years later. Mystic cited pre-existing conditions, while Marineland maintained the whales were in good health upon departure.
