SeaWorld San Diego reported the passing of Cyprus, a beluga whale rescued from Marineland in Ontario, marking another casualty among the animals transferred from the now-defunct Canadian facility this summer. Cyprus, a nine-year-old male beluga, stopped eating on Friday after exhibiting signs of intestinal issues following an ultrasound examination. Despite initially showing positive progress since his arrival at the park on August 22, interacting with trainers and consistently eating alongside two other rescued belugas, Cyprus’s sudden decline underscores the challenges of relocating marine mammals.
Belugas, known to conceal discomfort and health issues, can present hidden concerns that require thorough examination. The incident comes as Marineland in Niagara Falls faced financial difficulties, prompting the relocation of its remaining belugas and dolphins to other facilities to avoid euthanasia. However, the transfer has not been without consequences, as several belugas and a dolphin have perished in their new environments, including at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium and Oceanografic Valencia in Spain.
SeaWorld San Diego assured that the remaining rescued belugas under their care are in stable condition, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to their well-being. The facility will conduct a full necropsy on Cyprus to determine the cause of death, with findings to be shared with the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The series of deaths among relocated marine mammals has raised concerns about the challenges of adapting to new surroundings and the potential impact on their health and longevity.