Fifth beluga whale has died following rescue from Marineland

Shedd Aquarium in Chicago said 27-year-old female Caspian passed away Wednesday evening after health deteriorated

Published Oct 10, 2026  •  Last updated 24 minutes ago  •  2 minute read

Caspian, a 27-year-old female beluga whale rescued from Marineland, died Wednesday at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago after her health rapidly deteriorated. Photo by Shedd Aquarium

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Yet another beluga whale rescued from the shuttered Marineland theme park has died.

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The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago announced the death of 27-year-old female beluga Caspian, bringing the total to five whales and one dolphin that have now passed away since being moved out of the former tourist attraction in Niagara Falls.

The aquarium said Caspian died Wednesday evening “despite intensive efforts” by veterinary and animal care teams.

“Over the past several weeks, we have shared our growing concern for Caspian’s health,” the Shedd Aquarium said in an update Friday. “She continued to eat less than her full diet, a serious concern because belugas depend on their food for hydration as well as nutrition.”

Unable to recover after lifesaving support

As her condition deteriorated Wednesday, workers provided lifesaving support for nearly four hours, including hydration and medication, but she did not recover.

According to the update, blood samples were taken while Caspian was being cared for, which revealed abnormalities in both her electrolyte levels and blood pH. Her blood became dangerously acidic, which can interfere with the heart’s ability to work properly.

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“These findings were particularly concerning as she was eating less of the diet that normally provides much of her hydration,” aquarium officials said. “Together, they helped our veterinarians understand how critically ill she was, but do not, on their own, establish what led to her death.”

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Other beluga deaths since their transfer from Marineland to the Chicago aquarium this summer include 23-year-old female Peekachu, 20-year-old female Rain, and 26-year-old female Osiris.

The other deaths, 19-year-old female beluga Jelly Bean and female dolphin Echo, occurred at the Oceanografic Valencia in Valencia, Spain, last month.

Marineland relocated 30 belugas and four dolphins this summer to aquariums in the U.S. and Spain after closing its doors two years ago due to dwindling attendance and financial struggles.

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   Echo the dolphin, transferred from Marineland to aquarium in Spain, has died

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Belugas can mask signs of illness

Aquarium officials reiterated that blood tests and behaviour cannot reveal any diseases or health problems belugas may be experiencing as the whales can mask signs of illness as their health worsens.

A necropsy will be performed to better understand the health of her organs and tissues, including any microscopic changes that couldn’t be identified while she was receiving care, officials said.

“Caspian’s loss is felt deeply by the people who knew and cared for her and by those who followed her story,” the aquarium said. “Our team worked to give her every opportunity to recover.”

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