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Whale & Dolphin Deaths Spark Marineland Questions
15 Oct
Summary
- Abnormalities found in beluga Jelly Bean's organs prior to death.
- Dolphin Echo received continuous veterinary care for serious symptoms.
- Experts warn more whale deaths may occur after stressful transfers.
Oceanogràfic València in Spain reported preliminary findings on the deaths of beluga whale Jelly Bean and dolphin Echo, transferred from Marineland on August 27, 2026. Both animals died less than a month after their arrival.
Jelly Bean, 19, experienced feeding difficulties and a complex clinical condition with metabolic disorder, electrolyte imbalance, and enlarged thyroid glands. Abnormalities were noted in her heart and adrenal glands, which could have developed before her transfer. She died on September 18, 2026.
Echo, a 30-year-old bottlenose dolphin, arrived with severe vision impairment and limited mobility. In her final days, she exhibited neurological and respiratory symptoms, indicating inflammation in the brain consistent with toxoplasmosis. She required continuous veterinary care before her death.
Experts suggest that the stress of transport, which can last up to a year, may contribute to such outcomes, predicting further deaths among the relocated whales. Other animals transferred to aquariums in Valencia, Georgia, and Texas are reportedly progressing well, though some have noted decreased appetite or slow weight gain.
