From Chicago Sun-Times · · 1m 50s
3rd Beluga Whale Dies at Shedd After Marineland Transfer
Third beluga whale dies at Shedd Aquarium after relocation from shuttered Canadian Marineland.
In brief
Third beluga whale dies at Shedd Aquarium after relocation from shuttered Canadian Marineland. Osiris, a 26-year-old beluga whale, died at Shedd Aquarium following transfer from Marineland in Canada after struggling with nutrition and health. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Third Beluga Whale Dies
Osiris, a 26-year-old female beluga whale, died at Shedd Aquarium after being moved from shuttered Marineland in Canada.
“It’s the fourth whale from the closed amusement park to die, and the third of those whales that had been moved to the Shedd.”
Rescue Mission Background
Beluga whales arrived at Shedd Aquarium earlier this year as part of a rescue mission described as 'urgent' and 'unprecedented' by Shedd staff.
“Beluga whales arrived at the Shedd Aquarium earlier this year as part of a rescue mission that Shedd staff at the time called 'urgent' and 'unprecedented'.”
Marineland Context
Marineland, a shuttered aquatic park in Niagara Falls, Canada, closed due to financial issues and threatened to euthanize belugas if they couldn't be moved.
“Marineland closed due to major financial issues and threatened to euthanize the belugas if they couldn’t be moved to a new home.”
Osiris' Health Status
Osiris, a 26-year-old female beluga of 'clinical concern,' struggled with consistent eating and nutrition, showing periods of progress but declining rapidly.
“Osiris, a 26-year-old female beluga of 'clinical concern,' died Monday, the Shedd announced in a blog post. Her condition had been closely monitored since she arrived at the Shedd in late July, and she had periods of nutritional and social progress, the Shedd said.”
Recent Deaths
Three other belugas from Marineland died recently: Peekachu on August 25, Rain on September 2, and Jelly Bean at Oceanogràfic Valencia in Spain last week.
“Three other belugas from Marineland died in recent weeks. At the Shedd, Peekachu, a 23-year-old female, died Aug. 25 and Rain, a 20-year-old female, died Sept. 2.”
Investigation Status
Both Shedd Aquarium and Oceanogràfic Valencia are investigating the causes of death for the belugas transferred from Marineland.
“Both aquariums are investigating each cause of death.”
Whale Sanctuary Concerns
Whale Sanctuary Project co-founder Lori Marino questioned the safety of transferring sick whales from Marineland to Shedd, citing potential health risks from air travel.
“The deaths of Peekachu and Rain bring up very serious questions about their health status prior to being transferred to Shedd and the judgement used in that decision.”
Shedd's Statement
Shedd Aquarium stated that the animals arrived with significant vulnerabilities and that outcomes could not be guaranteed, emphasizing the need for scientific rigor and transparency.
“When Shedd was asked to help with this rescue, we understood that these animals arrived with significant vulnerabilities and that the outcome for every individual could not be guaranteed.”
Additional Death
Beethoven, a 34-year-old beluga already at Shedd, died on September 2, making it the third beluga from Marineland to die at Shedd.
“The Shedd also lost a third beluga recently who was not from Marineland. Beethoven, a 34-year-old beluga already living at the Shedd, died Sept. 2.”
Group Evacuation
Thirty belugas were evacuated from Marineland after its closure, with many whales likely sick and air travel potentially worsening their conditions.
“Osiris, Rain, Jelly Bean and Peekachu were part of a group of 30 belugas evacuated after Marineland closed.”
The essence
Osiris, a 26-year-old beluga whale, died at Shedd Aquarium following transfer from Marineland in Canada after struggling with nutrition and health.
