SeaWorld San Diego announced the unfortunate passing of Cyprus, a beluga whale rescued from Marineland in Ontario. Cyprus, a nine-year-old male beluga, arrived at the park on Aug. 22 but ceased eating on Friday. An ultrasound revealed abnormalities in his intestinal tract function. Despite initially showing positive progress in eating and engaging with trainers and caregivers, belugas can hide signs of discomfort. A full necropsy will be carried out to determine the cause of death.
Marineland in Niagara Falls had to transfer its remaining belugas and dolphins to other facilities due to financial constraints, with 30 belugas and four dolphins relocated. However, since the move, several belugas and a dolphin have died in their new environments. SeaWorld San Diego assured that the other rescued belugas are in stable health, with ongoing monitoring and care.
The process of adjusting to new surroundings will require time, as SeaWorld remains committed to the well-being of these animals. Once the necropsy results are available, the cause of Cyprus’s death will be reported to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
In a separate incident, Shedd Aquarium reported the death of Caspian, a 27-year-old female beluga from Marineland, who exhibited eating issues and abnormal blood levels. Necropsies on other deceased belugas from Marineland revealed pre-existing conditions. Jelly Bean, a beluga, and Echo, a dolphin, also passed away at Oceanografic Valencia in Spain following the relocation.
