SeaWorld San Diego announced the passing of Cyprus, a nine-year-old beluga rescued from Marineland in Ontario, marking another loss among the animals transferred from the now-shuttered Canadian facility. Cyprus, who arrived at the park on August 22, ceased eating on Friday, prompting concerns about his intestinal functionality following an ultrasound assessment. Despite initially showing positive progress, interacting with trainers and maintaining a steady appetite alongside two other rescued belugas, Cyprus’s sudden decline highlighted the challenges of assessing animal well-being. The facility emphasized the need for a comprehensive necropsy to uncover underlying issues.
Marineland in Niagara Falls faced financial struggles, leading to the relocation of 30 belugas and four dolphins to different facilities to avoid euthanasia. Unfortunately, a series of deaths among the relocated animals, including Cyprus, has raised questions about the relocation process. SeaWorld assured that the remaining rescued belugas under their care are stable and undergoing close observation as they acclimate to their new environment. The facility pledged ongoing dedication to the welfare of all rescued animals, promising transparency in sharing the necropsy findings with relevant authorities.
The recent loss of Caspian, a 27-year-old beluga at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium, further underscored the challenges faced by the relocated animals. Caspian’s health deteriorated despite intervention efforts, revealing abnormalities in her electrolyte levels. Previous necropsies on other deceased belugas from Marineland unveiled chronic underlying conditions, highlighting the complex health issues these animals faced post-relocation. Tragically, additional deaths occurred at Oceanografic Valencia in Spain, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring and care for the remaining relocated animals.