# 5th beluga whale dies at Shedd Aquarium

> Shedd Aquarium reports fifth beluga whale death after rescue from Marineland.
- Title: 5th beluga whale dies at Shedd Aquarium · Chicago Sun-Times
- Summary: Shedd Aquarium reports fifth beluga whale death after rescue from Marineland. Shedd Aquarium's fifth rescued beluga whale dies after being transferred from…
- Keywords: shed, beluga, marineland, aquarium, whale, death, rescue, canada, shedd aquarium, whale deaths, transferred, health concerns
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/10/09/5th-beluga-whale-dies-at-shedd-aquarium
- Published: 2026-10-10T00:10:13.804+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: shed, beluga, marineland, aquarium, whale, death, rescue, canada, shedd aquarium, whale deaths, transferred, health concerns
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Shedd Aquarium's fifth rescued beluga whale dies after being transferred from Marineland of Canada, raising concerns about the whales' health.