Three Beluga Whales Die at Shedd Aquarium Amid Scrutiny of Captive Marine Life
Recent deaths at a prominent Chicago aquarium highlight ongoing concerns about animal welfare in captivity, stemming from a complex history of animal transfers and exhibition practices.
Three beluga whales have died at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium in late August and early September, including two that were recently transferred from Marineland of Canada. The causes of death for the whales, named Peekachu, Rain, and Beethoven, are currently unknown as the aquarium awaits necropsy results.
Beethoven had been a resident at Shedd for decades, while Peekachu and Rain arrived in mid-August as part of a larger transfer of beluga whales from Marineland, a Canadian marine theme park that closed in 2024 after years of controversy regarding animal neglect and suffering. Since 2019, 19 beluga whales and one killer whale had died at Marineland. The recent transfers involved two beluga whales going to Shedd, two to SeaWorld locations, and two to the Georgia Aquarium. Four dolphins were sent to an aquarium in Spain.
The circumstances surrounding these deaths have renewed scrutiny of the broader issue of keeping marine mammals in captivity, particularly within the context of aquariums and theme parks. Critics argue that even well-regarded institutions like Shedd face inherent limitations in replicating the complex natural environments and social structures necessary for the well-being of intelligent, highly social animals like beluga whales.
Limitations of Aquarium Life
Shedd Aquarium, one of the oldest and most prestigious aquariums in the United States, has a history with beluga whales that has previously drawn criticism. Its first beluga whales were acquired from the wild in 1991, and subsequent acquisitions from the wild led to the deaths of two whales within their first year due to cardiovascular collapse. While Shedd has not directly sourced beluga whales from the wild since then and has recorded 15 births in captivity, experts like neuroscientist Lori Marino, president of the Whale Sanctuary Project, contend that captive environments, regardless of their quality, cannot fully accommodate the natural behaviors of beluga whales. These behaviors include long-distance migrations, complex social interactions, and extensive hunting and foraging.
Marino describes the conditions in captivity as leading to "unbelievable" boredom and a state akin to torture for such intelligent animals. She argues that the displays of "zoochosis"—repetitive, stress-induced behaviors such as circling, regurgitating food, repetitive head movements, or teeth-grinding—are common indicators of distress in captive marine mammals. Some researchers suggest that captivity may even induce depressive-like states in these animals.
A spokesperson for Shedd Aquarium countered these criticisms by pointing to research, in which the aquarium participated, suggesting that dynamic enclosures with enrichment activities and strong social structures are more critical for animal welfare than enclosure size alone. However, a 2021 literature review on animal encounter programs found that research in this area often lacks rigor and the justification for such programs remains questionable.
The Role of Aquariums and Conservation
Aquariums and zoos have historically positioned themselves as vital institutions for public education, animal conservation, and wildlife protection. Shedd Aquarium's mission, for example, is described as "sparking compassion, curiosity and conservation for the aquatic animal world." These institutions often highlight their financial contributions to conservation projects and efforts to reintroduce species into the wild.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), of which Shedd is a member, reported that its accredited institutions spent $252 million on wildlife habitat preservation projects in 2022. However, this figure represents approximately 5 percent of their total operational and construction expenditures. The AZA also states that 80 percent of animals in its member aquariums are sourced from the wild, a practice that animal advocates argue is in conflict with conservation goals, particularly when the sustainability and ethical nature of such sourcing are not clearly defined.
Despite the emphasis on conservation, critics argue that entertainment remains a primary driver for many zoological facilities. The practice of offering paid "encounter" experiences, where visitors can interact closely with animals for a fee, is also subject to debate. While Shedd has temporarily been prohibited from using the recently transferred beluga whales in such programs, similar encounters with other species are offered. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has also temporarily prohibited Shedd and other facilities from using the rehomed belugas in encounter programs.
Lori Marino expressed hope for the survival of the beluga whales at Shedd but urged for more candid discussions about the ethics of keeping marine animals in aquariums. She stated that even the best institutions operate within a flawed model when their fundamental purpose is to house animals in tanks for entertainment, a proposition that, she argues, requires critical examination.
Shedd Aquarium has indicated that it has not ruled out breeding the beluga whales received from Marineland, a prospect that raises further questions about the long-term future of beluga whales in captivity. Shedd Aquarium declined an interview request for this story.