Marineland beluga dies at U.S. aquarium weeks after transfer

Peekachu, a 23-year-old beluga whale who was blind in one eye, died suddenly at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium just weeks after her arrival from the now-closed Marineland.

The whale had been part of a group of eight females transferred to the U.S. aquarium. Despite her visual impairment, Peekachu had reportedly adapted well to her new environment, socializing with other whales and eating the food provided by caretakers.

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Despite what could have been a limitation, Peekachu had little trouble socializing and finding her way around a new habitat.

However, her condition took a turn in the days leading up to her death. Aquarium officials noted she was not consistently eating her full diet. Blood samples taken on Tuesday revealed concerns about dehydration and the need for supportive care.

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On Tuesday evening, as teams worked to provide her with medicine and fluids, Peekachu passed away suddenly.

"On Tuesday evening, as teams worked to provide her with medicine and fluids, Peekachu passed away suddenly," stated Andrew Pulver, Shedd Aquarium’s vice-president of animal care. He added that the specific cause of death is currently unknown, but a necropsy report is expected to provide further details.

Peekachu's death comes as several beluga whales and dolphins have been moved from Marineland to aquariums in the U.S. and Spain as part of an international agreement. U.S. authorities had approved the "emergency rescue" earlier this month. The relocation process began in July, with more animals moved in subsequent weeks. Following the latest transfers, only six belugas will remain at Marineland before their eventual move to a U.S. aquarium.

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We cannot emphasize enough that rescue is a step-by-step process for these whales, and that we truly are on a day-by-day basis in relation to their care and wellbeing.