A beluga whale that was among the group of animals transferred from Marineland park in Niagara Falls, Ont., has passed away. Oceanogràfic de València announced the sudden death of Jelly Bean, less than a month after the beluga arrived at the aquarium in Spain. Jelly Bean and another beluga named Cleopatra, along with four dolphins, were relocated to the facility on Aug. 27 as part of a global rescue effort.
The news release stated that Jelly Bean had been experiencing feeding problems recently, leading the veterinary team to increase monitoring. Despite showing signs of improvement and being responsive to caregivers, Jelly Bean’s condition deteriorated. A necropsy will be conducted by Oceanogràfic’s veterinarians in collaboration with pathologists from CEU Cardenal Herrera University to determine the cause of death.
While Jelly Bean’s passing is mourned, Cleopatra and the four dolphins are reported to be in good health at the aquarium. Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson expressed sadness over the death and praised the measures taken by the Canadian government to ensure the whales’ safe rescue. She emphasized the importance of the receiving facilities’ dedication to providing the belugas with the best chance of survival.
Following the deaths of two other belugas that were moved, concerns have been raised about the stress and health risks associated with transporting the animals. Animal Justice’s executive director, Camille Labchuk, highlighted the potential negative impacts of the relocation on the belugas’ well-being. Labchuk stressed the importance of transparent health assessments and proactive planning for the whales’ future.
Marine mammal scientist Naomi Rose also voiced concerns about the health and well-being of the belugas during the relocation process. She warned about the challenges and risks faced by the animals during transportation and emphasized the need for careful consideration of their welfare.
The relocation of the belugas from Marineland was prompted by financial difficulties at the park, leading to the transfer of all 30 belugas and four dolphins to various aquariums in the U.S. and Spain. Despite the challenges faced during the rescue efforts, the teams involved remain committed to providing the best care for the animals in their new environments.