Overview
- Caspian, a 27-year-old female rescued from Marineland of Canada, died Wednesday after nearly four hours on life support when blood tests showed severe electrolyte imbalances and dangerously acidic blood pH.
- The Shedd says Caspian is the fifth beluga to die at the aquarium in recent months and the fourth among whales moved from Marineland; a longtime resident, Beethoven, died of age-related changes.
- Preliminary necropsies on two rescued belugas, Peekachu and Rain, found chronic, severe gastrointestinal disease, and the aquarium says it has found no evidence so far of a contagious cause.
- Roughly 30 belugas and several dolphins were relocated from the closed Marineland in July–September and the cluster of deaths has prompted federal notifications, questions about export and veterinary clearances, and calls for independent review of transfer decisions.
- All six remaining rescued belugas at Shedd are reportedly eating full diets and under close monitoring while additional specialized lab results and an independent necropsy are completed, findings that could affect future care and relocation plans including the proposed Nova Scotia sanctuary.