Third Beluga Whale Rescued from Canada Dies at Chicago Aquarium

A third beluga whale rescued from a shuttered Canadian marine park has died at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium. Osiris, a 26-year-old female, began exhibiting concerning "behavior and respiratory patterns" on Monday morning, prompting staff to move her to a medical tent, according to a statement from the aquarium.

Osiris was among 10 beluga whales transported to Chicago in July from Marineland of Canada, an aquarium and theme park that closed. Shedd Aquarium stated that Osiris had been a whale of clinical concern since her arrival due to significant health vulnerabilities.

The beluga experienced periods of progress, including nutritional and social engagement with other rescued whales, but her inconsistent eating habits complicated care. Despite receiving fluids, medications, and supportive treatment, her condition deteriorated rapidly.

"Nutrition is only one measure of health, and in cases as complex as these, progress is rarely linear," the aquarium said in its statement. "When Shedd was asked to help with this rescue, we understood that these animals arrived with significant vulnerabilities and that the outcome for every individual could not be guaranteed."

Osiris's death follows those of two other rescued belugas, Peekachu and Rain, who also died at Shedd Aquarium after their transfer from Canada. Another rescued beluga, Jelly Roll, died after being relocated to Spain.

The average lifespan for beluga whales is typically 30 to 35 years, according to Seaworld. A full necropsy will be conducted to determine the cause of Osiris's death.