A dolphin that was transferred from Marineland has passed away in Spain, marking the fifth animal from the closed tourist attraction in Niagara Falls, Ontario, to die following a significant relocation of whales and dolphins during the summer. Oceanogràfic de València confirmed the death of Echo, a blind Black Sea bottlenose dolphin believed to be around 30 years old, on Wednesday. The facility stated that Echo began experiencing difficulties with swallowing and respiratory issues, leading to her transfer to the medical pool. Despite the efforts of Oceanografic’s animal care and veterinary teams, her condition deteriorated rapidly, and she passed away overnight.
Echo, along with three other dolphins and two belugas, was transported to Oceanogràfic on a 19-hour journey from the closed Niagara Falls attraction on August 26. Oceanogràfic is currently conducting necropsies on both deceased animals, in collaboration with pathology experts at CEU Cardenal Herrera University, to determine the cause of death. The remaining four animals that were rescued from Canada are reported to be in good health and are receiving care from Oceanogràfic’s professional teams.
The loss of Echo has deeply impacted the Oceanogràfic team, who had been providing dedicated care to her due to her specific needs since her arrival. Overall, four belugas and one dolphin have now passed away following the relocation of 30 belugas and four dolphins from Marineland to various parks over the summer. Three of the belugas died at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, along with one of the aquarium’s resident belugas.
The investigation into the cause of the animals’ deaths is ongoing at both Shedd and Oceanogràfic. Marineland, which closed in 2024 citing financial constraints and inability to care for its whales, had faced the decision to euthanize the animals if they were not relocated. After a deal with Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China was rejected by Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, emergency funding was sought by Marineland to prevent euthanization, leading to the collaboration with American and Spanish aquariums for the safe relocation of the whales and dolphins.
The veterinarians from all involved parks had assessed the animals prior to the move and cleared them for transport. Thompson also approved the moves after reviewing updated health information. The tragic deaths of the animals have sparked investigations to uncover the underlying causes.