A dolphin that was relocated from Marineland to Spain has passed away, marking the fifth animal from the now-closed tourist spot in Niagara Falls, Ontario, to perish following a significant transfer of whales and dolphins during the summer. Oceanogràfic de València announced that Echo, a blind Black Sea bottlenose dolphin estimated to be around 30 years old, died on Wednesday. The center stated that Echo began experiencing difficulties with swallowing and breathing, leading to her transfer to the medical pool. Despite the efforts of Oceanografic’s animal care and veterinary teams, her condition deteriorated rapidly, and she passed away overnight.
Echo, along with three other dolphins and two belugas, was transported to Oceanogràfic on August 26 in a lengthy 19-hour journey from Marineland in Niagara Falls. The facility is currently conducting necropsies on both deceased animals, in collaboration with pathology experts at CEU Cardenal Herrera University, to determine the cause of death.
Oceanogràfic affirmed that the four other animals from Canada are in good health and are being closely monitored by the professional teams. The loss of Echo has been particularly challenging for the Oceanogràfic team, who had been dedicated to her care and well-being due to her specific needs since her arrival.
Following the closure of Marineland in 2024, the park expressed financial constraints and an inability to provide proper care for its marine mammals, leading to the decision to relocate them. Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson rejected a proposed deal with Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China, citing concerns about the welfare of the whales. China’s lack of regulations similar to Canada’s ban on whale and dolphin captivity in 2019, which exempted Marineland’s animals, was a key factor in the decision.
Marineland had previously threatened to euthanize the whales if emergency funding was not secured, prompting a search for alternative solutions. The transfer of the animals to American and Spanish aquariums commenced in July and concluded by the end of August. Investigations into the cause of the animals’ deaths are underway at both Shedd Aquarium and Oceanogràfic to gain insights into the tragic events. Veterinary professionals from all facilities had assessed the animals before the move, and Thompson had approved the transfers after reviewing updated health data.