Peekachu, a beluga whale that was recently relocated from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, has passed away at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. The 23-year-old female beluga, part of a group of eight belugas transferred to Shedd two weeks ago, had unique characteristics according to the aquarium. The ongoing international rescue operation that began a month ago continued with the relocation of two other belugas and four dolphins to Spain on the same day.
The blog post from Shedd Aquarium described Peekachu as a special whale who overcame challenges despite being blind in one eye and smaller in size. Initially showing progress by consuming squid, herring, and capelin, Peekachu later experienced difficulty eating and was found to be dehydrated through a blood test. Despite efforts to provide medical care and fluids, Peekachu suddenly passed away on Tuesday evening, with a necropsy currently underway.
Marineland expressed sadness over the beluga’s death but assured that the remaining whales under their care are receiving top-notch treatment at Shedd. Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson acknowledged Peekachu’s passing as “difficult news” and commended the efforts of Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in facilitating the rescue and relocation process.
The four dolphins (Echo, Lida, Marina, and Tsunami) departing Marineland for a new home in Spain mark the last captive dolphins in Canada, as reported by The Canadian Press. Animal Justice’s legal advocacy director, Kaitlyn Mitchell, noted that while Peekachu’s death was devastating, it was not unexpected given the belugas’ long-standing health issues and the risks associated with their relocation. Mitchell highlighted concerns about the well-being of captive marine mammals and criticized the handling of the situation at Marineland.
The remaining six belugas at Marineland, the final captive whales in Canada, are slated to be transferred to a U.S. aquarium as part of Marineland’s initiative to relocate all its animals due to financial constraints. Originally intended for an aquarium in China, the belugas and dolphins faced obstacles leading to their relocation to various facilities in the United States and Spain. Ottawa’s intervention prevented the initial move to China, prompting Marineland to seek alternative arrangements for its marine animals.