Foreign objects found in dead Marineland belugas, Chicago aquarium says
Preliminary findings rule out infectious disease or environmental factors connecting deaths of Peekachu and Rain
Two belugas, Peekachu and Rain, that were relocated from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario to Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, both passed away due to chronic inflammatory diseases within their gastrointestinal systems. Shedd Aquarium, which helped Marineland move all 30 belugas and four dolphins to Chicago, found bird feathers, sticks, and large porous rocks in Peekachu's stomach, and small flecks of material that may be paint in Rain's stomach.
The aquarium stated that they do not believe these foreign objects contributed to the whales' deaths. Marineland, however, disagreed with parts of Shedd's statement, asserting that their veterinary and animal care teams had successfully cared for Peekachu and Rain for 23 and 20 years respectively, in large outdoor habitats. There are no restrictions on breeding or performances for the relocated whales.
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- Marineland belugas that died in Chicago had chronic disease, aquarium says toronto.citynews.ca
- Marineland belugas that died in Chicago had chronic inflammatory disease, preliminary necropsy findings show cbc.ca
- Marineland belugas that died in Chicago had chronic disease, aquarium says winnipegfreepress.com
