Peekachu, a beluga whale previously housed at Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, has passed away at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. The 23-year-old female beluga was among a group of eight belugas that were recently transported to the Shedd Aquarium as part of an ongoing international rescue mission that commenced a month ago.
The aquarium described Peekachu as a unique whale due to being blind in one eye and smaller in size compared to others. Despite these challenges, Peekachu managed to adapt well to her new environment and socialize with ease. Initially showing signs of progress by consuming squid, herring, and capelin provided by caretakers, Peekachu’s health took a downturn when she stopped eating well, leading to a diagnosis of dehydration. Unfortunately, despite efforts to administer medication and fluids, Peekachu passed away suddenly on Tuesday evening, prompting the initiation of a necropsy.
Marineland expressed sadness over Peekachu’s death but assured that the remaining whales under their care at the Shedd Aquarium are receiving top-notch treatment. Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson extended condolences on Peekachu’s demise, acknowledging the efforts of Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in assisting with the rescue and relocation of the belugas.
In a separate development, four dolphins named Echo, Lida, Marina, and Tsunami departed Marineland for a new home in Spain, marking the last of Canada’s captive dolphins. Animal Justice, a legal advocacy group, lamented Peekachu’s passing, emphasizing the long-standing health issues faced by the belugas at Marineland. The group expressed concerns over the risks associated with relocating the animals and highlighted previous instances of beluga deaths following transfers to the U.S.
The article also mentions the impending transfer of the remaining six belugas from Marineland to a U.S. aquarium, as part of the park’s decision to relocate all animals due to financial constraints. Initially planned for export to China, the belugas and dolphins faced obstacles due to Canadian laws prohibiting whale and dolphin captivity, breeding, and performances. Following government intervention, the animals found new homes in American and Spanish aquariums, including SeaWorld locations and the Georgia Aquarium.
As Marineland navigates these transitions, the focus remains on ensuring the well-being of the remaining animals and facilitating their relocation to suitable environments in line with animal welfare standards.
