The hidden toll of Marineland’s beluga relocation: three deaths and growing concerns

When Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ont., closed, the park had to relocate all 30 beluga whales and four dolphins to other facilities. The animals were sent to five aquariums – four in the United States and one in Spain.

The first group arrived in Spain on Aug. 27 at Oceanogràfic de València, together with four dolphins. One of the belugas, Jelly Bean, died suddenly less than a month later, making her the third beluga death linked to the relocation.

Two other whales had already been lost. Blue was euthanised at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium in August after developing health problems, and Sasha died at SeaWorld San Antonio earlier this month. A resident beluga at Shedd also died after the Marineland whales arrived.

Marine‑mammal scientist Naomi Rose warned that moving large cetaceans is highly stressful. She said the whales face an “alien experience” that can quickly turn into serious illness or death.

Canada’s Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson said the government took “reasonable steps” to protect the animals. The authorities issued CITES permits after reviewing the transportation plan and gave Fisheries Act authorizations after individual health assessments for each whale.

The remaining belugas – including Cleopatra, who arrived with Jelly Bean – and the four dolphins are reported to be doing well under round‑the‑clock monitoring. Their survival highlights both the dedication of the receiving teams and the risks inherent in moving such large marine mammals.

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