A recently deceased dolphin that was relocated from Marineland has passed away in Spain, marking the fifth casualty among the marine animals transferred from the closed Ontario tourist spot to various locations following a major whales and dolphins relocation operation over the summer.
The Oceanogràfic de València confirmed the death of Echo, a 30-year-old blind Black Sea bottlenose dolphin, on Wednesday. Echo encountered challenges with swallowing and respiratory issues before being moved to the medical pool, where her health deteriorated rapidly despite the attentive care from Oceanogràfic’s animal care and veterinary teams.
Echo, together with three other dolphins and two belugas, were transported to Oceanogràfic on a 19-hour journey from the shuttered Niagara Falls, Ontario, tourist attraction on August 26. Tragically, one of the belugas, named Jelly Bean, also succumbed to death last week.
Oceanogràfic is currently conducting necropsies on both deceased animals in collaboration with pathology experts from CEU Cardenal Herrera University to determine the cause of death. The remaining four rescued animals from Canada are reported to be in good health under the continuous monitoring and care of Oceanogràfic’s professional teams.
The loss of Echo has deeply affected the Oceanogràfic team, which had shown exceptional dedication to her well-being due to her specific needs since her arrival. With a total of four belugas and one dolphin now deceased following the movement of 30 belugas and four dolphins from Marineland to multiple parks over the summer, investigations into the deaths of these animals are ongoing at various aquariums.
Marineland ceased operations in 2024 citing financial constraints and an inability to sustain the well-being of its marine life. Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson intervened to halt a deal between Marineland and Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China, emphasizing the significance of ensuring the welfare of the animals.
The move of the whales and dolphins from Marineland to American and Spanish aquariums, initiated in July and concluded in August, was prompted by the critical situation at Marineland. Both Shedd Aquarium and Oceanogràfic are actively engaged in determining the causes behind the recent deaths of the relocated animals.
Prior to the transfers, veterinarians from all parks conducted thorough assessments on the animals at Marineland and approved their transport. Thompson, after reviewing updated health information, authorized the relocation process to ensure the animals’ well-being during and after the move.