A third beluga whale has died at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago after being rescued from a closed Canadian marine park, marking the fourth whale from the rescue effort to die. Osiris, a 26-year-old female, began showing unusual behavior and respiratory patterns on Monday morning, prompting staff to move her to a medical tent, according to a statement from the aquarium. Her condition declined rapidly despite the aquarium's veterinary and animal care teams' lifesaving efforts. The cause of death is currently unknown, and a full necropsy will be conducted.
Osiris was one of 10 whales rescued from the Marineland of Canada aquarium and theme park in July and transported to Chicago. Since their arrival, the health of the relocated belugas has been monitored closely. The aquarium reported that Osiris was a clinical concern from the time of her arrival, experiencing periods of progress in her health and social interactions but struggled with consistent eating, complicating her recovery efforts.
Despite receiving fluids, medications, and supportive care, her health remained a concern. The aquarium noted that nutrition is only one measure of health. Shedd Aquarium took in 10 of the 30 belugas and four dolphins left at Marineland after the park closed in 2024, as part of a rescue effort to prevent euthanasia of the animals.
According to provincial government data, 20 whales have died at Marineland since 2019. Two other belugas from Marineland, Peekachu and Rain, also died at Shedd Aquarium after their arrival. Another rescued beluga, Jelly Roll, died after being relocated to Spain. Studies indicate that beluga whales typically have an average lifespan of 30 to 35 years. The aquarium acknowledged the challenges of caring for these vulnerable animals and expressed sorrow over Osiris's loss, emphasizing their commitment to examining her case with scientific rigor and transparency.