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Shedd Aquarium Beluga Dies During Rehydration Treatment

8/28/2026

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Summary

Peekachu Dies

Shedd Aquarium reported a 23-year-old beluga died while receiving rehydration treatment.
Blood work on Tuesday revealed dehydration, prompting staff to give food, medicine and fluids.
The whale, named Peekachu, was blind in one eye but socialized well with other belugas.
Peekachu arrived in early August as one of eight belugas rescued from Marineland, Ontario.
Shedd Aquarium will issue a necropsy report once the analysis is complete.

Summary

Thompson Denies Permit

Canadian Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson formally denied a permit, citing the 2019 law banning captive whale entertainment.
The Whale Sanctuary Project proposes a Nova Scotia marine sanctuary to house rescued belugas permanently as a long-term solution.
Marineland warned officials that without swift export permits, it might have to immediately euthanize the remaining whales.

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Peekachu Dies

Shedd Aquarium reported a 23-year-old beluga died while receiving rehydration treatment.
Blood work on Tuesday revealed dehydration, prompting staff to give food, medicine and fluids.
The whale, named Peekachu, was blind in one eye but socialized well with other belugas.
Peekachu arrived in early August as one of eight belugas rescued from Marineland, Ontario.
Shedd Aquarium will issue a necropsy report once the analysis is complete.

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