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Two whales die in Chicago aquarium after moves, including one from Marineland

  • Liam Casey

    Liam Casey

  • Canadian Press

  • September 2, 2026

Beluga whale "Tofino," the last whale in captivity in Canada, is transported by a group of experts from Marineland and several U.S. aquariums onto a truck via a sling before being moved to an aquarium in the U.S., in the final transfer of whales out of the closed park, in Niagara Falls, Ont., on Monday, Aug. 31, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Carlos Osorio

TORONTO -- Shedd Aquarium in Chicago says two whales have died after it took in 10 beluga whales from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ont.

Shedd says one whale, Rain, came from Marineland in mid-August while the other, Beethoven, was already a resident.

Marineland, along with Shedd and several other aquariums, recently completed an unprecedented relocation of captive whales after shipping 30 belugas and four dolphins to five destinations.

Another Marineland beluga, Peekachu, died last week after it became severely dehydrated.

Shedd says the deaths occurred Wednesday afternoon despite immediately trying to save the whales.

The aquariums says it does not know if the deaths are related, but they are performing tests and necropsies.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 2, 2026.