6th Rescued Beluga From Ontario’s Marineland Dies at SeaWorld San Diego

CHICAGO — A sixth beluga whale rescued from Canada has died, this time at SeaWorld San Diego.

Nine-year-old Cyprus died Sunday night after unexpectedly stopping eating.

SeaWorld San Diego said in a social media post that Cyprus had been progressing well since arriving. He had been eating regularly, adjusting to his new surroundings and interacting with trainers, animal care staff and the two other rescued belugas.

An ultrasound later detected a potentially serious intestinal issue. Additional testing is expected to determine more about the condition.

“Like many species, belugas can mask discomfort or underlying concerns that are not immediately visible,” SeaWorld said.

The San Diego facility said the other rescued belugas under its care remain in stable condition.

Four additional rescued whales have died at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium since August.

Shedd Aquarium said it remains encouraged by the progress of its six surviving rescued belugas, noting that all are showing nutritional improvement.

Earlier this summer, 30 beluga whales and four dolphins were rescued from the shuttered Marineland theme park in Ontario, Canada.

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