Shedd Aquarium in Chicago has reported the unfortunate deaths of two whales following the transfer of 10 beluga whales from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ont. One of the deceased whales, named Rain, arrived from Marineland in mid-August, while the other, Beethoven, was already residing at Shedd.

Recently, Marineland, Shedd, and several other aquariums successfully relocated captive whales by transporting 30 belugas and four dolphins to five different destinations. Tragically, another beluga from Marineland, Peekachu, passed away last week due to severe dehydration.

Despite immediate intervention by Shedd to save the whales, the deaths occurred on Wednesday afternoon. The aquarium is conducting tests and necropsies to determine the causes of death.

In response to the losses, Shedd expressed the challenges of obtaining concrete answers regarding the circumstances leading to the deaths. Marineland conveyed deep sorrow over Rain’s death and extended sympathy to the trainers and staff who cared for Rain.

The recently relocated animals were the last captive whales and dolphins in Canada, following a federal ban on captivity in 2019, with Marineland being granted an exception. Marineland is currently up for sale, with a pending deal contingent on the removal of the animals, while several hundred deer remain at the park.

Marineland ceased public operations in 2024, with the passing of its founder, John Holer, in 2018, and his widow, Marie Holer, shortly after the park’s closure. Financial constraints prompted the urgent need to relocate the animals.

The federal government intervened in a plan to move the whales to China, leading Marineland to seek alternative solutions. The whales and dolphins have been transferred to various locations, including Shedd, SeaWorld in San Diego and San Antonio, Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, and Oceanografic Valencia in Spain.

Health assessments were conducted before each relocation, with Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson responsible for final approval. Between 2019 and 2025, 19 belugas, one killer whale, and one dolphin died at Marineland. In a previous relocation to Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, two whales passed away within a year, and a third whale died two years after the transfer, with conflicting reports on their health status.