Peekachu, a beluga who was recently relocated from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, has passed away at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. This unfortunate event coincided with the transfer of two other belugas and four dolphins to Spain on the same day.
The 23-year-old female beluga, one of eight belugas transported to Shedd two weeks ago as part of an international rescue effort, was described as “unique” by the aquarium. Despite being blind in one eye and smaller in size, Peekachu adapted well to her new habitat and socialized effectively.
Initially showing signs of progress by consuming squid, herring, and capelin, Peekachu’s health deteriorated when she stopped eating well and was diagnosed as dehydrated through a blood test. Despite efforts to provide medical care and fluids, Peekachu passed away suddenly on Tuesday evening, prompting ongoing necropsy procedures.
Marineland expressed sadness over Peekachu’s demise but assured that the remaining whales are receiving top-notch care at Shedd. Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson extended condolences, acknowledging the challenging circumstances and praising the involved organizations for their swift and professional intervention.
In a separate development, four dolphins named Echo, Lida, Marina, and Tsunami, departed Marineland for a new home in Spain, marking the closure of captive dolphin facilities in Canada. Animal Justice’s legal advocacy director, Kaitlyn Mitchell, lamented Peekachu’s death, citing longstanding health issues among the belugas and the risks associated with their relocation.
Mitchell criticized the rushed transfer of the animals, highlighting the potential for improved care strategies and emphasizing the importance of prioritizing animal welfare. The imminent relocation of the remaining six belugas to a U.S. aquarium underscores Marineland’s decision to offload its animal assets due to financial constraints.
Initially slated for transfer to a Chinese aquarium, the belugas and dolphins faced uncertainty following regulatory hurdles, eventually finding new homes in American and Spanish aquariums. Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding the animals’ relocations, efforts are underway to ensure their well-being and transition to new environments.
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