San Diego – SeaWorld San Diego announced Sunday night that Cyprus, a nine‑year‑old beluga whale rescued from the former Marineland theme park in Ontario, Canada, has died. The whale was the sixth of the rescued group to pass away since the mass rescue earlier this summer.
Background on the rescue effort
In July, 30 beluga whales and four dolphins were removed from the closed Marineland facility after concerns about animal welfare and the park’s shutdown. The animals were split between two major U.S. marine facilities: SeaWorld San Diego received six belugas, while the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago took the remaining twenty‑four.
Cyprus’ health and sudden decline
According to a SeaWorld social‑media post, Cyprus had been “doing well” after his arrival. Staff noted that he was eating regularly, acclimating to his new environment, and interacting with trainers and the animal‑care team alongside the two other rescued belugas at the park.
On Sunday, however, Cyprus abruptly stopped eating. An ultrasound performed by the park’s veterinary team revealed a potentially serious intestinal issue. The facility said additional testing is planned to determine the exact cause.
SeaWorld’s response
SeaWorld emphasized that belugas, like many marine species, can mask discomfort or underlying health concerns that are not immediately visible. The park reiterated that the remaining rescued belugas in its care remain in stable health and continue to receive regular monitoring and nutrition support.
Parallel deaths at the Shedd Aquarium
Since August, four other rescued belugas have died at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. The Shedd has expressed optimism about the progress of the six remaining rescued whales under its care, noting that they are making nutritional strides.
What this means for marine‑animal rescue
The series of deaths underscores the challenges of relocating large marine mammals from a compromised environment to new facilities. Veterinarians and animal‑care specialists stress the importance of thorough health assessments, ongoing monitoring, and tailored nutrition plans to support the transition.
While the loss of Cyprus is a sorrowful reminder of the fragility of these intelligent creatures, SeaWorld and the Shedd Aquarium remain committed to the welfare of the surviving whales. Both institutions have pledged continued transparency and scientific collaboration to improve outcomes for rescued marine mammals.
Community reaction
Local residents and animal‑welfare advocates have expressed condolences for Cyprus and called for continued vigilance in the care of rescued marine life. Many highlighted the need for stricter oversight of marine‑park operations to prevent future rescues of this magnitude.
SeaWorld San Diego plans to hold a brief memorial service for Cyprus at the park later this week, inviting staff, volunteers, and members of the public to honor the whale’s life.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
