Peekachu, a beluga whale that was recently transferred from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, has passed away at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, according to an announcement made by the facility on Wednesday. This news comes on the same day when two other belugas and four dolphins were being transported to Spain.
The 23-year-old female beluga, part of a group of eight belugas that were flown to Shedd two weeks ago, was described as “unique” by the aquarium. She had one blind eye and was one of the smaller whales in the group. Despite these challenges, Peekachu was adept at socializing and navigating her new environment.
Initially, Peekachu showed signs of progress by consuming squid, herring, and capelin provided by caretakers. However, she later experienced a decline in appetite, leading to a diagnosis of dehydration through a blood test. Despite efforts to administer medication and fluids, Peekachu passed away suddenly on Tuesday evening, prompting the initiation of a necropsy.
While expressing sadness over Peekachu’s death, Marineland mentioned that the remaining whales under their care at Shedd are receiving excellent treatment. In response, Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson acknowledged the difficulties surrounding Peekachu’s passing and commended the efforts of Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums for their swift action in ensuring the well-being of the animals.
The four dolphins (Echo, Lida, Marina, and Tsunami) that departed Marineland for a new home in Spain represent Canada’s final captive dolphins, as reported by The Canadian Press. Loading of the dolphins and belugas Cleopatra and Jelly Bean onto transport trucks bound for Toronto’s Pearson International Airport took place after extensive preparation by trainers.
Kaitlyn Mitchell, the legal advocacy director for Animal Justice, expressed a mix of devastation and lack of surprise at Peekachu’s death, citing long-standing health issues among the belugas at Marineland. Mitchell emphasized the critical risks associated with relocating the animals, citing previous deaths and health concerns within the beluga population.
Looking ahead, the six belugas that remain at Marineland, the last captive whales in Canada, are slated for transfer to a U.S. aquarium. This move is part of Marineland’s overarching plan to relocate all its animals due to financial constraints and regulatory issues. Despite initial attempts to send the belugas and dolphins to China being thwarted, alternative arrangements with American and Spanish aquariums have facilitated the relocation process.
The transition of Marineland’s aquatic mammals to various facilities signals the end of an era at the park, which is seeking to ensure the welfare of its animals amidst changing regulations and financial pressures.
[Image source: The Netherlands Times]