From Chicago Sun-Times · · 1m 50s
5th beluga whale dies at Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium reports fifth beluga whale death after rescue from Marineland.
In brief
Shedd Aquarium reports fifth beluga whale death after rescue from Marineland. Shedd Aquarium's fifth rescued beluga whale dies after being transferred from Marineland of Canada, raising concerns about the whales' health. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
5th beluga whale dies
Shedd Aquarium reports fifth beluga whale death after rescue from Marineland of Canada.
Caspian dies
Caspian is the fourth rescued beluga to die at Shedd since their July arrival, joining eight resident whales.
Beethoven dies
Beethoven, a 34-year-old resident whale, died recently likely due to age-related issues.
Five belugas die
Five belugas rescued from Marineland have died out of 30 total, with one in Spain also dying.
Health concerns
Shedd spokesperson Johnny Ford says rescued whales are 'made vulnerable by chronic and severe illness'.
Caspian's condition
Caspian's condition 'crashed' earlier this week with life support for nearly four hours.
Blood tests
Blood tests showed abnormalities in electrolyte levels and blood pH, with pH becoming 'dangerously acidic'.
Previous deaths
Peekachu died Aug. 25, Rain died Sept. 2, Osiris died Sept. 21, and Jelly Bean died Sept. 18.
Health issues
Final reports show major chronic inflammation in digestive systems, hypertension, liver tissue death, and lung scarring.
Animal rights concerns
Animal rights activists say whales were not healthy enough to withstand transport stress from Marineland.
Marineland conditions
Whales allegedly lived in poor conditions at Marineland, which closed in 2024 due to financial troubles.
Shedd consortium
Shedd is part of a consortium of four U.S. aquariums and Oceanografic in Spain taking the whales.
Health risks
Experts say chronic conditions elevated whales' risk of cardiovascular stress during transfer.
What happens next
Shedd will share examination findings with the public to understand the whales' health better.
The main idea
Shedd Aquarium's fifth rescued beluga whale dies after being transferred from Marineland of Canada, raising concerns about the whales' health.
