World · North America · 1 hr ago
Beluga rescued from Ontario's Marineland dies at SeaWorld San Diego
A beluga named Cyprus died at SeaWorld San Diego after being moved from Marineland in Ontario.
The nine-year-old male arrived on Aug.
22 and had been eating and interacting with care staff before he stopped eating and an ultrasound found intestinal problems.
Marineland, in Niagara Falls, said it could no longer afford to care for its whales and dolphins, so 30 belugas and four dolphins were transferred to other facilities.
The deaths of relocated animals have raised concern about their health, though the cause of Cyprus’s death is not yet known.
A necropsy on two other belugas that died at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium found chronic, pre-existing diseases.
SeaWorld says its other rescued belugas are stable and being closely monitored as they adjust to their new surroundings.
The aquarium will share the results of Cyprus’s necropsy with the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
A nine-year-old beluga named Cyprus, relocated from Marineland in Ontario, has died at SeaWorld San Diego.
SeaWorld said Cyprus stopped eating on Friday and an ultrasound showed his intestinal tract did not appear to be functioning normally.
The aquarium said Cyprus had been eating consistently and interacting with staff since arriving on Aug. 22.
A full necropsy will be conducted, and SeaWorld said it will share the cause of death with the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Cyprus’s death adds to the deaths of animals moved from the now-closed Marineland over the summer.
- Who
- Cyprus, a nine-year-old male beluga relocated from Marineland.
- What
- He died at SeaWorld San Diego. The cause of death has not been stated.
- When
- SeaWorld said he stopped eating on Friday. The articles were published Oct. 18 and 19, 2026.
- Where
- SeaWorld San Diego in California.
- Why
- The cause of death is not yet known; SeaWorld said it will conduct a necropsy.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Cyprus arrived at SeaWorld San Diego.
Cyprus stopped eating, and an ultrasound later showed his intestinal tract did not appear to be functioning normally.
SeaWorld said it would conduct a full necropsy and share the cause of death with the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
CBC published its report on Cyprus’s death.
Global News published its report on Cyprus’s death.
- Cyprus
- Nine-year-old male beluga
- Arrival at SeaWorld
- Aug. 22
- Location
- SeaWorld San Diego, California
- Marineland transfer
- 30 belugas and four dolphins moved to other facilities
- Cause of death
- Not yet stated; a necropsy is planned
3 sources
What people are saying
As we have indicated, this process will take a considerable amount of time. Our commitment to the health, well-being and care of these belugas, like every animal we rescue, continues,