A dolphin that was relocated from Marineland has passed away in Spain, marking the fifth death of animals from the closed Niagara Falls, Ontario, tourist site following a large-scale transfer of whales and dolphins during the summer. Oceanogràfic de València announced the death of Echo, a blind Black Sea bottlenose dolphin estimated to be around 30 years old. The dolphin experienced difficulties in swallowing and respiratory issues before being moved to the medical pool, where her condition deteriorated rapidly despite the efforts of Oceanografic’s animal care and veterinary teams.
Echo, together with three other dolphins and two belugas, was transported to Oceanogràfic on August 26 in a lengthy 19-hour journey from the shuttered Niagara Falls tourist attraction. Necropsies are being conducted on Echo and the other deceased animal, with pathology experts at CEU Cardenal Herrera University also involved in determining the cause of death.
Although Echo’s passing has been a significant loss, Oceanogràfic assured that the other four animals brought from Canada are in good health and are being closely monitored by their professional teams. The recent deaths add to the toll of animals moved from Marineland over the summer, with a total of 30 belugas and four dolphins sent to various parks. Marineland’s closure in 2024 due to financial constraints led to the transfer of its marine mammals, preventing the euthanization of the animals as previously planned by the park. Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson blocked a deal that would have sent the animals to China, citing concerns over the welfare of the creatures.
Both Shedd Aquarium and Oceanogràfic are investigating the circumstances surrounding the animals’ deaths. The relocation of the animals was authorized after thorough health assessments by veterinarians and government officials. Marineland sought emergency funding to avoid euthanizing the whales, eventually turning to a consortium of American and Spanish aquariums for assistance in relocating the marine mammals.