Peekachu, a beluga whale that was recently transferred from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, has passed away at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. The 23-year-old female beluga was part of a group of eight belugas that were flown to the Shedd Aquarium two weeks ago as part of an international rescue effort. Despite being blind in one eye and one of the smaller whales, Peekachu adapted well to her new environment, socializing and exploring her surroundings.

Initially showing signs of progress by consuming squid, herring, and capelin, Peekachu later experienced difficulty eating and was found to be dehydrated through a blood test. Despite efforts to provide her with medication and fluids, Peekachu suddenly passed away on Tuesday evening. A necropsy is currently being conducted to determine the cause of death.

Marineland expressed sadness over Peekachu’s death but assured that the remaining whales are receiving top-notch care at the Shedd Aquarium. Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson acknowledged Peekachu’s passing as challenging news and commended the efforts of Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in facilitating the animals’ transition to a new chapter in life.

In a separate development, four dolphins named Echo, Lida, Marina, and Tsunami, along with belugas Cleopatra and Jelly Bean, were transported from Marineland to Toronto’s Pearson International Airport en route to Oceanografic Valencia in Spain. Animal Justice’s legal advocacy director, Kaitlyn Mitchell, expressed concern over the health risks faced by the belugas during transportation, citing previous deaths among relocated belugas from Marineland. Mitchell criticized the rushed relocation process and advocated for better care before moving the animals.

The remaining six belugas at Marineland are scheduled to be relocated to an aquarium in the United States, marking the end of captive whale species in Canada. Marineland’s decision to transfer its animals follows the cancellation of a plan to sell them to an aquarium in China due to legislative restrictions on whale and dolphin captivity in Canada. The park sought assistance from American and Spanish aquariums to facilitate the relocation of its belugas, some of which have been sent to various SeaWorld locations.