Beluga whale dies at Chicago aquarium days after coming from Canada park in rescue effort

Summarized from yahoo.com


The article reports the sudden death of a 23-year-old female beluga whale named Peekachu, which occurred shortly after its transport from Marineland park in Ontario to Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium. Peekachu was among eight whales relocated from Marineland this summer as part of an effort to rescue Canada’s last captive belugas following the park’s closure in 2024. The Canadian government approved a plan in January to transfer the whales to the Shedd Aquarium and four other marine facilities to prevent their euthanasia.

Peekachu, who was blind in one eye and had difficulty socializing with other whales, exhibited early signs of progress after the journey but was found to be dehydrated based on blood samples taken on the day of her death. Despite attempts by aquarium staff to rehydrate her with food and medication, Peekachu died that evening. The Shedd Aquarium has committed to releasing a necropsy report once it becomes available. The remaining Marineland whales and dolphins are scheduled to be moved to facilities in Atlanta, San Antonio, San Diego, and Spain. Source