California aquarium announces death of Marineland beluga Cyprus

Another beluga whale saved from Niagara Falls’ closed Marineland facility has died, marking the latest loss following the transfer of whales and dolphins.

SeaWorld San Diego, where the beluga whale was relocated to, says the nine-year-old male beluga, Cyprus, stopped eating on Friday.

The California aquarium says an ultrasound later suggested that Cyprus’ intestinal tract did not appear to be functioning normally.

It says Cyprus had been doing well since his arrival, emphasizing that belugas can mask discomfort or underlying concerns that are not immediately visible.

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SeaWorld San Diego says a full necropsy will be done to investigate the cause.

The aquarium says the other rescued belugas in its care are in stable health and remain under close monitoring.

Thirty belugas and four dolphins were moved from the cash-strapped Niagara Falls facility and several of them have died.

With Files From The Canadian Press

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