CHICAGO — The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago has reported that several belugas transferred from Marineland in Ontario are experiencing health issues. This announcement comes after two of the three belugas that died at the aquarium within a week were confirmed to be from Marineland, a theme park located in Niagara Falls, Ontario, that recently closed due to financial difficulties.

On August 25, Peekachu, one of the Marineland belugas, died just two weeks after being relocated to Shedd Aquarium. Additionally, a 20-year-old beluga named Rain, who was also moved from Marineland in mid-August, has died, along with a 34-year-old beluga that had lived for decades at the aquarium prior to the recent transfers. The aquarium has stated that they are providing continuous supervision and monitoring of the whale's hydration, breathing rates, swim patterns, social interactions, and other behavioral aspects.

The Shedd Aquarium's update has raised concerns as it continues to investigate the recent deaths and the health conditions of the remaining belugas. In a statement released, the aquarium expressed uncertainty regarding the health status of the rescued animals, indicating that lab results are pending. Some of the belugas are reportedly showing “more encouraging signs” than others, but it has been noted that several present clinical concerns. The situation appears to fluctuate frequently, with the animals' conditions changing hour by hour.

Belugas primarily obtain hydration through the consumption of fish, and while some of the rescued whales are eating regularly, others are struggling with their nutrition. Overall, the Shedd Aquarium mentioned that none of the belugas are currently in the desired health state. Prior to their relocation, the belugas were believed to be in good health, having received a clean bill of health approved by Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson.

Marineland, which has been put up for sale, executed the world's largest collective move of captive whales recently, transferring 30 belugas and four dolphins to various aquariums in the United States and Spain. This significant relocation marked the end of whale captivity in Canada. Marineland had previously warned of the possibility of euthanizing the whales unless it received an emergency cash infusion after the federal government blocked an earlier plan to send the animals to China.

This situation is not unprecedented, as previous transfers from Marineland have also resulted in the death of several whales. In 2021, five whales were relocated to Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, where two died within a year and a third died two years post-transfer. Mystic Aquarium stated that the whales had pre-existing conditions while Marineland maintained that they were healthy at the time of departure.

From 2019 to 2025, Marineland reported the deaths of nineteen belugas, one killer whale, and one dolphin, raising questions about the welfare of the animals in captivity and the implications of relocation.