Shedd Aquarium in Chicago has reported the passing of two whales following the transfer of 10 beluga whales from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario. One of the whales, named Rain, arrived from Marineland in mid-August, while the other, Beethoven, was already residing at Shedd. The relocation of captive whales, involving 30 belugas and four dolphins to various destinations, was recently completed by Marineland, Shedd, and several other aquariums.
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 cause of the deaths.
Shedd expressed the challenges faced in dealing with the losses and the time required to obtain definitive answers regarding the circumstances of the deaths. Marineland expressed deep sadness over Rain’s passing and extended condolences to the trainers and staff who cared for the whale.
The recently relocated animals were the last captive whales and dolphins in Canada following a federal ban in 2019, with an exception granted to Marineland. The park is currently up for sale, with reports indicating a pending deal for the land contingent on the removal of the animals, while several hundred deer still inhabit the park.
Marineland 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. Financial constraints compelled Marineland to relocate its animals. The federal government thwarted a previous plan to transfer the animals to China, leading Marineland to seek assistance from international aquariums.
The belugas and dolphins have been relocated to Shedd, SeaWorld locations in San Diego and San Antonio, Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, and Oceanografic Valencia in Spain. The animals underwent health assessments before each move, with Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson overseeing final approvals. Notably, 19 belugas, one killer whale, and one dolphin perished at Marineland between 2019 and 2025. In a previous relocation in 2021, five whales were moved to Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, where two died within a year and another two years after the transfer, with conflicting statements on their health status before the move.