SeaWorld San Diego announced the passing of Cyprus, a nine-year-old beluga whale rescued from Marineland in Ontario, as part of the recent series of deaths among animals relocated from the now-defunct Canadian facility. Cyprus, who arrived at the park on August 22, ceased eating on Friday, leading to concerns about his intestinal functions following an ultrasound examination. Despite initially responding well to care, interactions, and feeding, the beluga’s health deteriorated unexpectedly, underscoring the challenges of monitoring animal well-being. The aquarium emphasized the need for a comprehensive necropsy to uncover potential hidden issues contributing to Cyprus’s demise.
Marineland faced financial struggles prompting the transfer of its remaining belugas and dolphins to other facilities to avoid euthanasia, with SeaWorld San Diego receiving a group of these marine mammals. Following Cyprus’s passing, the remaining rescued belugas are being closely monitored for any signs of distress or health complications as they acclimate to new environments. The facility reiterated its dedication to ensuring the welfare and proper care of these animals amidst the evolving situation. Once the necropsy results are available, SeaWorld San Diego plans to collaborate with the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Cyprus’s death.
Tragically, several other belugas and a dolphin have succumbed to health issues post-relocation, including Caspian at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and animals at Oceanografic Valencia in Spain. Necropsies conducted on deceased whales from Marineland revealed underlying chronic conditions, highlighting the complexities of managing captive marine life. The recent series of deaths among relocated animals underscores the challenges of transitioning marine mammals and ensuring their well-being in new environments.