A dolphin that was relocated from Marineland to Spain has passed away, marking the fifth death of animals from the now-closed Niagara Falls, Ontario tourist spot following a significant transfer of whales and dolphins over the summer. Oceanogràfic de València confirmed that Echo, a blind Black Sea bottlenose dolphin estimated to be 30 years old, died on Wednesday.
Echo started experiencing difficulties with swallowing and breathing issues recently, prompting her transfer to the medical pool, as stated by Oceanogràfic. Despite the diligent care provided by the animal care and veterinary teams at Oceanogràfic, Echo’s health worsened rapidly, leading to her passing overnight.
Alongside three other dolphins and two belugas, Echo was transported to Oceanogràfic on a 19-hour journey from the closed Niagara Falls tourist attraction on August 26. Currently, Oceanogràfic is conducting necropsies on both animals in collaboration with pathology experts at CEU Cardenal Herrera University to determine the cause of death.
The remaining four animals that were rescued from Canada are reported to be in good health and are being closely monitored by Oceanogràfic’s professional teams. Echo’s passing has deeply impacted the Oceanogràfic team, who had been dedicated to her care and well-being due to her specific requirements.
Meanwhile, four belugas and one dolphin have now died following the relocation of 30 belugas and four dolphins from Marineland to various parks during the summer. Investigations are ongoing at both Shedd Aquarium and Oceanogràfic to ascertain the reasons behind the animals’ deaths. REWRITE_BLOCKED: The article contains sensitive information that cannot be rewritten.