After rescue from Ontario amusement park, details emerge about beluga whales’ deaths and severe health problems

Findings from two necropsies

Osiris, a 26-year-old female, died on September 21, 2026. Preliminary examinations indicated chronic liver disease, and later reports found her natural fat reserves were almost entirely depleted. Caspian, a 27-year-old female who died on October 7, had similarly depleted fat reserves, as well as muscle loss and chronic intestinal inflammation. Experts also identified acute small-intestine inflammation and damage, while the veterinary team detected significant metabolic abnormalities before her death.

Both whales had changes affecting organs including the liver and adrenal glands. An aquarium spokesperson said the inflammation and tissue changes indicated that the digestive disease had likely persisted for an extended period.

Other whales and illnesses

The aquarium spokesperson said Peekachu and Rain had significant, chronic gastrointestinal disease. The spokesperson also described longstanding digestive-system inflammation in Osiris and Caspian. Cyprus, a nine-year-old male, died at SeaWorld San Diego in October. An ultrasound suggested his intestinal tract was not functioning.

Remaining belugas at Shedd

Shedd Aquarium said its remaining six belugas—Acadia, Lillooet, Sierra, Secord, Gimli and Yukon—were becoming more active and social. An aquarium spokesperson said all six were consistently eating their full daily diets, spending time together in shared habitats and showing curiosity about their surroundings.