Shedd Aquarium in Chicago says two whales have died after it took in 10 beluga whales from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ont.
Shedd says one whale, Rain, came from Marineland in mid-August while the other, Beethoven, was already a resident.
Marineland, along with Shedd and several other aquariums, recently completed an unprecedented relocation of captive whales after shipping 30 belugas and four dolphins to five destinations.
Another Marineland beluga, Peekachu, died last week after it became severely dehydrated.
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Shedd said the deaths occurred Wednesday afternoon despite immediately trying to save the whales.
The aquarium said it does not know if the deaths are related, but they are performing tests and necropsies.
"These losses are hard, made more difficult by the fact that it will take time to get concrete answers about what led to their passings," Shedd said in a statement.
Marineland said it was "deeply saddened" to learn of Rain's death.
"Our thoughts are with the trainers and staff who loved and supported Rain."
The relocated animals were the last captive whales and dolphins in Canada after the federal government banned the practice in 2019, but granted an exception for Marineland.
Marineland is up for sale, and sources say a deal is in place for the land so long as the animals are gone. Several hundred deer still remain at the park.
Marineland closed to the public in 2024. Its founder, John Holer, died in 2018 and his widow, Marie Holer, died not long after the park closed for good.
The park has said it was running out of money and had to get its animals out.
