Sixth beluga dies after rescue from ‘dire situation’ in Marineland

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Another beluga whale has died after being rescued from “a dire situation” in Marineland this summer.

This marks the sixth tragic death in less than two months, after 30 belugas and four dolphins were relocated from Marineland to aquariums in the United States and Spain after the Ontario park shuttered due to dwindling attendance and financial struggles.

SeaWorld San Diego announced on Facebook on Sunday that Cyprus, a nine-year-old male beluga that arrived at the park on Aug. 22 “passed away unexpectedly.”

What happened to Cyprus?

The theme park said that Cyprus underwent a thorough medical exam after he stopped eating a few days ago.

“An ultrasound showed that his intestinal tract did not appear to be functioning normally and could indicate a serious life-threatening condition,” SeaWorld San Diego detailed in the Facebook post.

Cyprus had been doing well since his arrival, and was eating consistently, interacting with his trainers and animal care team, along with the two other rescued belugas, and acclimating to his new environment, the park said.

However, belugas can “mask discomfort or underlying concerns that are not immediately visible,” they explained.

A full necropsy is set to be conducted.

More deaths

Cyprus’ passing comes after the recent deaths of other rescued belugas Peekachu, Osiris and Caspian.

They were transferred to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, where they struggled with eating and struggled with hydration and nutrition issues, leading to bigger health problems.

Another beluga, 20-year-old female Rain, died in early September at Shedd, alongside Beethoven, a whale that was already living at the aquarium.

Two other animals, 19-year-old female beluga Jelly Bean and female dolphin Echo, also died at the Oceanografic Valencia in Valencia, Spain, last month.

Other animals ‘in stable health’

SeaWorld San Diego said the other rescued belugas in its care are “in stable health” and are being closely monitored as they continue to acclimate to their new home.

“Like our colleagues at the other AZA-accredited facilities that rescued these belugas, we understood each animal would be navigating a significant transition and that their complete health picture, including conditions that may have developed over time, could only become clearer through ongoing assessment and care,” SeaWorld San Diego’s statement continued.

“As we have indicated, this process will take a considerable amount of time,” they added. “Our commitment to the health, well-being and care of these belugas, like every animal we rescue, continues.”

Once the necropsy on Cyprus is completed, the cause of Cyprus’s death will be shared with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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