The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago has released new health findings offering insights into why several beluga whales rescued from Marineland in Canada have died.
Earlier this year, 30 beluga whales and four Black Sea dolphins were moved from Marineland to several AZA-accredited aquariums in the US and Spain as part of an urgent, unprecedented relocation effort.
Since the move, six of the 30 beluga whales have died – four at the Shedd Aquarium, one at Oceanografic Valencia in Spain, and another at SeaWorld San Diego.
The Shedd Aquarium has shared further details about the health issues affecting two beluga whales, Osiris and Caspian, following detailed examinations of their organs and tissues.
Earlier this year, 30 beluga whales and four Black Sea dolphins were rescued from Marineland in CanadaShedd
In a previous update, the aquarium said Osiris' preliminary examination identified chronic liver disease, and additional necropsy reports from outside agencies have shown evidence of extended nutritional and caloric deficiencies, and physical deterioration.
According to the aquarium, her body's natural fat reserves were almost completely depleted, and further examination revealed changes suggesting Osiris' liver may have been impacted by reduced heart function.
"Together, these findings indicate significant underlying health challenges that placed strain on her heart and circulatory system and left her particularly vulnerable to additional illness," the aquarium said.
As for Caspian, her examination showed similar evidence of longstanding health challenges, including depleted fat reserves, muscle loss, chronic intestinal inflammation and changes affecting several organs.
Additionally, external animal health experts found acute inflammation and damage to a portion of Caspian's small intestine.
"These findings, together with significant metabolic abnormalities identified by Shedd's veterinary team before her death, may have contributed to her final decline," the aquarium said.
Two other rescued belugas, Peekachu and Rain, have died at the Shedd Aquarium. Their post-mortem necropsy investigations showed longstanding intestinal illness that started before their rescue.
The Shedd Aquarium is still caring for six of the 30 rescued belugas – Acadia, Lillooet, Sierra, Secord, Gimli and Yukon.
All of them are consistently eating their full daily diets, spending time together, and exploring their surroundings. Enrichment activities on offer include floating balls and feeders.
Shedd's animal care and veterinary teams are closely tracking each whale's nutrition, hydration, behaviour and health.
