Beluga Cyprus dies weeks after transfer from closed Marineland park

Cyprus, a nine-year-old beluga whale moved from the closed Marineland park in Ontario to SeaWorld San Diego, has died weeks after the transfer. His death raises further concern about the condition of animals relocated from the bankrupt park, where years of scrutiny focused on animal welfare.

SeaWorld said Cyprus had been adjusting well but stopped eating on Saturday. An ultrasound found his intestinal tract was not functioning normally; a full examination after death is planned to establish the cause. He is the sixth whale to die after transfer: four died at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium and another at Oceanogràfic de València in Spain. SeaWorld said the other rescued belugas in its care remain stable and are being monitored.