SeaWorld San Diego reported the passing of Cyprus, a beluga whale rescued from Marineland in Ontario, marking another death among animals transferred from the now-shuttered Canadian facility this summer. Cyprus, a nine-year-old male beluga who arrived at the park on August 22, ceased eating on Friday. An ultrasound revealed abnormalities in his intestinal tract. Despite appearing healthy since his arrival and engaging with trainers and caretakers, Cyprus’s condition deteriorated. The aquarium stressed that belugas can conceal discomfort, necessitating a thorough necropsy.
Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ont., faced financial struggles and transferred 30 belugas and four dolphins to other facilities to prevent euthanasia. Unfortunately, several animals did not survive the move. SeaWorld San Diego assured that the remaining rescued belugas are stable and closely monitored. The facility emphasized its ongoing dedication to the well-being of all rescued animals. Once the necropsy is finished, findings on Cyprus’s death will be shared with the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Recent casualties include Caspian, a 27-year-old female beluga relocated from Marineland to Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, who passed away due to eating issues and abnormal blood samples. Necropsies on other deceased belugas from Marineland revealed chronic illnesses. Jelly Bean and Echo, a beluga and a dolphin respectively, also succumbed to death after being moved to Oceanografic Valencia in Spain.