After the death, the animal‑rights group Animal Justice wrote to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, asking the department to investigate how the whale was cleared for transport and to stop the relocation of the remaining belugas until the inquiry is finished.

The group’s legal advocacy director, Kaitlyn Mitchell, said the request was based on “apparent underlying health problems” that should have been considered before the move.

Canadian regulations required health assessments by an accredited veterinarian before any whale could be shipped. The Shedd Aquarium later reported that Peekachu was dehydrated and was not eating well before she died.

Marine‑mammal experts, including Naomi Rose of the Animal Welfare Institute, said that the stress of being taken out of the water, placed on stretchers, loaded onto planes and trucks, and the genetic condition known as storage disease could have contributed to Peekachu’s death.

The relocation plan involves moving a total of 30 belugas and four dolphins from Marineland, which is closing and can no longer afford to care for the animals.

The incident highlights how transport stress and hidden health issues can endanger marine mammals, underscoring the need for thorough health checks and careful handling during relocation.