A dolphin that was relocated from Marineland has passed away in Spain, marking the fifth death of animals from the closed tourist attraction in Niagara Falls, Ontario, following a significant transfer of whales and dolphins during the summer. Oceanogràfic de València confirmed the death of Echo, a blind Black Sea bottlenose dolphin believed to be 30 years old, on Wednesday. Echo began experiencing difficulties with swallowing and respiratory issues, prompting a transfer to the medical pool, where her condition quickly worsened despite the efforts of the Oceanogràfic’s animal care and veterinary teams.
Echo, together with three other dolphins and two belugas, was transported to Oceanogràfic on a 19-hour journey from the shuttered Niagara Falls facility on August 26. The aquarium is currently conducting necropsies on the deceased animals in collaboration with pathology experts at CEU Cardenal Herrera University to determine the cause of death. While Echo’s passing has been a challenging moment for the Oceanogràfic team due to her specific needs, the remaining four animals rescued from Canada are reported to be in good health under the constant care and observation of the aquarium’s professional staff.
The recent deaths have raised concerns and prompted investigations into the circumstances surrounding the animals’ relocation and well-being. Marineland, which closed in 2024 citing financial constraints, faced criticism for its handling of the animals and their potential euthanization if not transferred. Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson intervened to block a proposed deal with Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China, expressing reservations about the welfare of the whales in a non-Canadian setting. The transfer of the whales and dolphins to American and Spanish aquariums, which commenced in July and concluded in August, was undertaken after Marineland sought emergency funding to prevent euthanasia.
Both Shedd Aquarium and Oceanogràfic are working to determine the causes of the recent animal deaths, with veterinarians from all involved parks having assessed the animals’ health before the transfers were approved by Thompson. The situation has drawn attention to the complexities of captive marine animal management and the importance of ensuring their well-being during such relocations.