Peekachu, a beluga whale that had been transferred from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, has passed away. The 23-year-old female beluga was part of a group of eight belugas that were relocated to the Shedd Aquarium two weeks ago. The aquarium described Peekachu as a unique individual and highlighted her ability to adapt to a new environment despite being blind in one eye and one of the smaller whales.
Peekachu initially showed signs of progress by consuming squid, herring, and capelin provided by caretakers. However, her health deteriorated as she stopped eating well, leading to dehydration. Despite efforts to administer medicine and fluids, Peekachu suddenly passed away on Tuesday evening. A necropsy is currently underway to determine the cause of death.
Marineland expressed sadness over Peekachu’s death but assured that the remaining whales are receiving top-notch care at the Shedd Aquarium. Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson acknowledged the news of Peekachu’s passing, thanking the organizations involved in the rescue efforts and emphasizing the importance of providing the animals with a chance for a new life.
Meanwhile, four dolphins, namely Echo, Lida, Marina, and Tsunami, departed Marineland for a new home in Spain, marking the last of Canada’s captive dolphins. Animal advocates have raised concerns about the welfare of the belugas and dolphins, citing previous deaths and health issues among the animals. Kaitlyn Mitchell from Animal Justice criticized the rushed relocation process and suggested that better care should have been provided before moving the animals.
The remaining six belugas at Marineland are scheduled to be transported to an aquarium in the United States as part of the park’s initiative to relocate all its animals due to financial constraints. After facing obstacles in selling the belugas and dolphins to China, Marineland sought assistance from American and Spanish aquariums for the animals’ rehoming. The ongoing relocation process has sparked debates about animal welfare and the ethics of captivity.
Image sources: [Link to Source]