6th beluga whale rescued from Canada park dies at SeaWorld San Diego

Four other rescued whales died in Chicago at the Shedd Aquarium

6th beluga whale rescued dies at SeaWorld San Diego
30 beluga whales and four dolphins were rescued from a closed park in Ontario, Canada.
SeaWorld San Diego/Facebook
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Monday, October 19, 2026 4:51PM

CHICAGO -- A sixth beluga whale rescued from Canada has died at SeaWorld San Diego.

Nine-year-old Cyprus died Sunday night after suddenly refusing to eat.

Photo of Cyprus, a nine-year-old male beluga rescued, posted by SeaWorld San Diego on Facebook.
Photo of Cyprus, a nine-year-old male beluga rescued, posted by SeaWorld San Diego on Facebook.
SeaWorld San Diego/Facebook

"Cyprus had been doing well since his arrival. He was eating consistently, acclimating to his new environment and interacting with his trainers and animal care team, along with the two other rescued belugas," SeaWorld San Diego said in a social media post.

An ultrasound revealed a potentially serious intestinal problem. More testing is planned.

"Like many species, belugas can mask discomfort or underlying concerns that are not immediately visible," SeaWorld said.

SeaWorld San Diego said the other rescued belugas in their care continue to be in stable health.

Four other rescued whales have died in Chicago at the Shedd Aquarium since August.

The Shedd now says it encouraged by the progress the other six rescued belugas are making and that they're all making strides nutritionally.

30 beluga whales and four dolphins were rescued from the closed Marineland theme park in Ontario, Canada earlier this summer.

READ MORE | Questions emerge after 4th beluga death at Shedd Aquarium following whale transfers from Canada

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