A dolphin that was transferred from Marineland has passed away in Spain, marking the fifth death of animals relocated from the closed tourist site in Niagara Falls, Ontario, over the summer. Oceanogràfic de València announced that Echo, a blind Black Sea bottlenose dolphin believed to be around 30 years old, died on Wednesday due to difficulties swallowing and respiratory issues. Despite efforts by Oceanogràfic’s animal care and veterinary teams, Echo’s condition worsened rapidly, leading to her passing overnight.
Echo, along with three other dolphins and two belugas, were transported to Oceanogràfic on August 26 in a lengthy 19-hour journey from the closed Niagara Falls attraction. The aquarium is currently conducting necropsies on Echo and another deceased animal, in collaboration with pathology experts at CEU Cardenal Herrera University, to determine the cause of death.
While four belugas and one dolphin have now died following the transfers from Marineland, the remaining four animals from Canada are reportedly in good health under the care of Oceanogràfic’s professional teams. The loss of Echo has been particularly challenging for the Oceanogràfic staff, who had been providing specialized care for her since her arrival.
Marineland, which closed in 2024 due to financial difficulties, had planned to euthanize the whales if they were not relocated. After a deal with Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China was rejected by Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, a group of American and Spanish aquariums stepped in to assist with the whales’ relocation, which was completed between mid-July and the end of August.
Both Shedd Aquarium and Oceanogràfic are investigating the circumstances surrounding the animals’ deaths. Prior to the transfers, veterinarians from all parks had examined and approved the animals for transport, with final authorization given by Thompson after reviewing updated health information.
