Fourth Rescued Beluga Whale Dies After Relocation from Canada's Marineland, Raising Animal Welfare Concerns
Osiris, a 26-year-old female beluga whale, has died at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium, marking the fourth death among belugas relocated from Canada's Marineland. Osiris's condition rapidly declined despite veterinary efforts. This follows the deaths of Jelly Bean in Spain and Peekachu and Rain at Shedd Aquarium. Osiris was among 30 beluga whales moved as part of an international rescue effort involving accredited aquariums in the U.S. and Europe. Shedd Aquarium, which received 10 of these whales, stated that the animals arrived with complex health needs that were not fully understood prior to their arrival. Animal Justice, a Canadian animal rights organization, has criticized the relocation timeline and the Canadian government's approval process, questioning the scrutiny applied to the whales' health before transfer. They allege the animals were moved on an 'irresponsibly short timeline' as Marineland sought to redevelop or sell its property.
