A dolphin that was relocated from Marineland to Spain has passed away, marking the fifth death among animals transferred from the closed attraction in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The deceased dolphin, named Echo, was a blind Black Sea bottlenose dolphin estimated to be around 30 years old. The Oceanogràfic de València reported that Echo started experiencing difficulties with swallowing and breathing before being moved to a medical pool. Despite receiving care from veterinary teams, Echo’s condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to her passing.
Echo, along with other dolphins and belugas, was transported to Oceanogràfic on a 19-hour journey from the shuttered Niagara Falls site on August 26. Following Echo’s death, Oceanogràfic is conducting necropsies on both Echo and another deceased animal, with pathology experts from CEU Cardenal Herrera University also involved in determining the cause of death.
While four animals rescued from Canada are reportedly doing well under Oceanogràfic’s care, Echo’s loss has deeply impacted the team, which had been dedicated to her well-being due to her specific needs. The deaths of four belugas and one dolphin have occurred since Marineland relocated a total of 30 belugas and four dolphins to various parks over the summer. Investigations are ongoing at both Shedd Aquarium and Oceanogràfic to ascertain the reasons behind the animals’ deaths.
Marineland ceased operations in 2024 citing financial constraints and an inability to care for its marine mammals, leading to the decision to relocate them. A proposed deal with Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China was rejected by Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, who expressed concerns about the welfare of the animals. The move of the whales and dolphins from Marineland to other facilities was completed with the assistance of American and Spanish aquariums.
Collaborative efforts are underway to understand the circumstances surrounding the animals’ deaths, with veterinarians from all parks involved in clearing the animals for transport prior to the relocation process.