Shedd Details Health Problems in Two Rescued Belugas

On November 2, Shedd Aquarium released findings from examinations of Osiris and Caspian, two beluga whales among 10 transferred from Marineland in Canada during the summer. The aquarium said the findings showed serious health problems that had weakened both whales, but did not establish one definitive cause of death for either animal.

Osiris, a 26-year-old female, died on September 21. She had earlier received a diagnosis of chronic liver disease and a history of inconsistent eating. Examinations found that her fat reserves were nearly depleted, along with abnormalities in her liver and adrenal glands. Findings also suggested reduced heart function may have affected blood flow to her organs.

Caspian, a 27-year-old beluga that died on October 7, had lost muscle and had chronic intestinal inflammation and abnormalities in her liver and adrenal glands. Examiners additionally detected acute inflammation and injury affecting a section of her small intestine. The aquarium said these findings, together with metabolic abnormalities detected before her death, may have contributed to her decline.

Both whales showed signs indicative of prolonged deficiencies in nutrition and calorie intake. Shedd said the rescued belugas arrived with complex medical histories and that some conditions could not be fully identified before the transfer. Four of the 10 whales brought to the aquarium have died; two others, Peekachu and Rain, also died after arriving. Earlier examinations found longstanding gastrointestinal inflammation in both.

The six surviving rescued whales—Yukon, Gimli, Secord, Sierra, Lillooet and Acadia—are eating their full daily diets, spending more time together and taking part in enrichment activities, the aquarium said. Veterinary teams continue to monitor their health, nutrition, hydration and behavior, and Shedd said the examination findings will inform their ongoing care.