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Shedd Aquarium Reports Beluga Osiris Dies After Transfer

By Drooid · Sep 26, 2026, 2:44 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Shedd Aquarium Beluga Deaths

Shedd Aquarium announced that 26-year-old beluga Osiris died after the rescue transfer.
Post-mortem exams found chronic gastrointestinal disease in rescued belugas Peekachu and Rain.
Since July, three rescued belugas—Peekachu, Rain, and Osiris—have died at Shedd Aquarium.
Beluga Jelly Bean died suddenly at Oceanogràfic de València after feeding difficulties.
Since 2019, 20 whales—19 belugas and one killer whale—have died at Marineland, Ontario.

Summary

Animal Justice Demands Probe

Animal Justice executive director Camille Labchuk called the necropsy findings “deeply troubling” and evidence of neglect.
The Toronto-based nonprofit urged Ontario regulators to launch a formal investigation into Marineland’s animal-care practices.
Veterinarians said ongoing testing includes fungal, bacterial and viral pathogens, indicating broader bio-security scrutiny.
The aquarium pledged to release additional findings when they materially enhance understanding of the whales’ health.

History

Historical Context

The 1975 Marine Mammal Protection Act, enacted after public outcry over captive whale deaths, banned commercial capture of most marine mammals. The U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service reported that the law protected roughly 1,200 species and allocated $30 million for enforcement in its first decade. Today, Shedd Aquarium’s beluga deaths and Animal Justice’s calls for Ontario regulators echo the same neglect concerns that spurred the 1975 legislation. If Ontario’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs enforces stricter standards, the precedent set by the MMPA suggests improved marine mammal welfare and reduced captive mortality.

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Shedd Aquarium Beluga Deaths

Shedd Aquarium announced that 26-year-old beluga Osiris died after the rescue transfer.
Post-mortem exams found chronic gastrointestinal disease in rescued belugas Peekachu and Rain.
Since July, three rescued belugas—Peekachu, Rain, and Osiris—have died at Shedd Aquarium.
Beluga Jelly Bean died suddenly at Oceanogràfic de València after feeding difficulties.
Since 2019, 20 whales—19 belugas and one killer whale—have died at Marineland, Ontario.

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