A dolphin that was relocated from Marineland has passed away in Spain, marking the fifth death of an animal from the closed tourist spot in Niagara Falls, Ontario, following a significant transfer of whales and dolphins earlier in the summer.
Echo, a blind Black Sea bottlenose dolphin estimated to be 30 years old, died at Oceanogràfic de València on Wednesday. The marine park stated that Echo began experiencing difficulties with swallowing and breathing, leading to her transfer to the medical pool. Despite the efforts of Oceanogràfic’s animal care and veterinary teams, her condition deteriorated rapidly, resulting in her passing overnight.
Echo, together with three other dolphins and two belugas, was moved to Oceanogràfic on a 19-hour journey from the closed Marineland in Niagara Falls on August 26. The park is currently conducting necropsies on Echo and another deceased animal, in collaboration with pathology experts at CEU Cardenal Herrera University, to determine the cause of death.
Oceanogràfic mentioned that the remaining four animals from Canada are in good health and are being closely monitored by their professional teams. The loss of Echo has been particularly challenging for the Oceanogràfic staff, who had been providing specialized care for her since her arrival due to her unique requirements.
Since the transfer of 30 belugas and four dolphins to various parks over the summer, a total of four belugas and one dolphin have now died. The deaths included three belugas at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, along with one of the park’s resident belugas.
Marineland, which closed in 2024 due to financial constraints, faced the dilemma of euthanizing its whales if they were not relocated. After a deal with a Chinese park was nixed, a consortium of American and Spanish aquariums stepped in to assist with the relocation process, which concluded by the end of August.
Both Shedd and Oceanogràfic are conducting investigations to determine the causes of the recent animal deaths. Vets from all parks had assessed the animals at Marineland before the transfers, and the moves were approved by Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson after reviewing updated health information.