Peekachu, a female beluga previously housed at Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, has passed away at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. This news came on the same day that two other belugas and four dolphins were being relocated to Spain. Peekachu, aged 23, was one of eight belugas transferred to Shedd two weeks ago as part of an international rescue mission that commenced a month earlier.
Described as “unique” by the aquarium, Peekachu was blind in one eye and among the smaller whales. Despite these challenges, she adapted well to her new surroundings and displayed early signs of progress by consuming squid, herring, and capelin. However, her health deteriorated as she began to refuse food, ultimately leading to her sudden passing on Tuesday evening. A necropsy is currently underway to determine the exact cause of death.
Marineland expressed sadness over Peekachu’s demise but assured that the remaining whales under their care are receiving top-notch treatment at Shedd. Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson conveyed her condolences, acknowledging the efforts of Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in facilitating the animals’ transition to a new chapter in life.
In a separate development, the four dolphins (Echo, Lida, Marina, and Tsunami) departed Marineland for their new home in Spain, marking the end of captive dolphins in Canada. Animal Justice’s legal advocacy director, Kaitlyn Mitchell, described Peekachu’s death as devastating yet not unexpected. Mitchell highlighted the longstanding health issues faced by the belugas at Marineland and expressed concerns about the risks associated with their relocation.
Moving forward, the six belugas remaining at Marineland, the last captive whales in Canada, are slated to be transferred to a U.S. aquarium as part of the park’s initiative to relocate all its animals due to financial constraints. Following the blockage of a previous attempt to sell the belugas and dolphins to China, Marineland sought assistance from American and Spanish aquariums for the animals’ relocation, with some already being sent to various SeaWorld locations.
