Chicago aquarium shares health update on Marineland belugas after whale deaths

Chicago's Shedd Aquarium has shared an update on the health of belugas transferred from Ontario's Marineland after several deaths occurred. In a statement on Friday, the aquarium reported that the transferred whales are showing health issues, and are being monitored around the clock by teams assessing their hydration, breathing rates, swim patterns, and social interaction.

These belugas originated from Marineland, a Niagara Falls theme park that closed following financial troubles. Two of the three whales that died at Shedd's site within a week were from Marineland. Peekachu, a Marineland beluga, died at Shedd on August 25, two weeks after its relocation. Rain, a 20-year-old beluga moved from Marineland in mid-August, also died at the Chicago park.

A 34-year-old beluga that had lived in Chicago since 1988 also passed away. While some rescued belugas are showing positive signs, several have clinical concerns, and their condition fluctuates day-to-day. Shedd stated that none of the belugas are currently in optimal health. Before being moved, the Marineland belugas received a clean bill of health from Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson.

Marineland, which shipped 30 belugas and four dolphins to five U.S. and Spanish aquariums, is now up for sale. The final move ended whale captivity in Canada. Earlier this year, Marineland moved five whales to Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, resulting in two whale deaths within a year. In total, nineteen belugas, one killer whale, and one dolphin have died at Marineland between 2019 and 2025.