A beluga whale tragically passed away just days after being transported from a now-closed Ontario amusement park to a Chicago aquarium as part of an important rescue effort for Canada’s beleaguered captive whale population.
The 23-year-old female whale, affectionately named Peekachu, died unexpectedly while caretakers were working to rehydrate her. This information was shared in a news release from the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. Peekachu was among eight beluga whales relocated from Marineland park, with four moved in July and four more brought to Chicago earlier this month.
A Urgent Rescue Operation
Marineland was forced to shut its doors in 2024, prompting an urgent race to find suitable homes for its 30 beluga whales and four dolphins to avoid the grim fate of euthanasia. After much consideration, the Canadian government approved a plan in January to transport these whales to the Shedd Aquarium and other marine parks.
Reports reveal that since 2019, 20 whales, including 19 belugas and one killer whale, have succumbed at Marineland, based on provincial government data accessible through freedom-of-information requests and official communications.
Peekachu’s Journey and Final Days
The intricate process of relocating these whales involved using custom slings and maintaining the animals in temperature-regulated containers throughout their journey. Upon arrival, their health and behavior were closely monitored to ensure their well-being.
During her time at the aquarium, Peekachu, who had impaired vision in one eye and faced challenges in interacting with other whales, initially displayed signs of recovery. However, concerns about her dehydration emerged following blood tests taken a few days after her arrival. Tragically, while staff were administering care, including food and medication, she passed away that same evening.
In light of this loss, the Shedd Aquarium has pledged to release a necropsy report to share further details about Peekachu’s condition.
Beyond Peekachu’s journey, the remaining whales and dolphins from Marineland are also scheduled to relocate to various locations, including the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta and SeaWorld parks in San Antonio and San Diego, as well as Oceanografic in Valencia, Spain.
