Wildlife experts are investigating the sudden death of a nine-year-old beluga whale at SeaWorld San Diego. The California theme park and animal care facility shared the tragic news in a social media post on Sunday evening.Beluga Dies Suddenly at SeaWorld San DiegoCredit: lezumbalaberenjena, FlickrOn October 18, SeaWorld San Diego announced on Facebook that a nine-year-old male beluga rescued from the shuttered Marineland theme park in Canada had died. Cyprus was one of three male whales taken in by SeaWorld San Diego on August 22, 2026. The Niagara Falls, Ontario, theme park closed this summer following serious financial troubles and criticism from animal rights activists over the treatment of the animals in its care, particularly the beluga whales.According to SeaWorld San Diego, Cyprus stopped eating two days before his death. An emergency medical examination revealed that the beluga whale’s intestinal tract was not functioning normally, indicating a potentially life-threatening condition. Veterinarians worked with Cyprus throughout the night, but he unfortunately passed away. The nine-year-old whale had previously been “doing well” after arriving in California, acclimating to his new enviornment and willingly interacting with his trainers, animal care team, and the two other rescued belugas.Credit: SeaWorldThe other two male belugas rescued from Marineland by SeaWorld San Diego, Xavier and Jasper, are reportedly in stable condition and continue to adjust to their surroundings. A full necropsy will be conducted on Cyprus, and the findings will be shared with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).Read SeaWorld San Diego’s full statement on nine-year-old Cyprus’ death below:“We are saddened to share that Cyprus, a nine-year-old male beluga rescued from a dire situation in Canada that came to SeaWorld San Diego on August 22, has passed away unexpectedly.Cyprus stopped eating two days ago which prompted our veterinarians and animal care team to conduct a thorough medical exam. An ultrasound showed that his intestinal tract did not appear to be functioning normally and could indicate a serious life-threatening condition. Veterinarians worked throughout the night, providing immediate medical attention.Cyprus had been doing well since his arrival. He was eating consistently, acclimating to his new environment and interacting with his trainers and animal care team, along with the two other rescued belugas.Like many species, belugas can mask discomfort or underlying concerns that are not immediately visible. A full necropsy will be conducted, and the cause of the passing will be shared with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).Like our colleagues at the other AZA-accredited facilities that rescued these belugas, we understood each animal would be navigating a significant transition and that their complete health picture, including conditions that may have developed over time, could only become clearer through ongoing assessment and care.The other rescued belugas in our care continue to be in stable health and remain under close monitoring as they continue to adjust to their surroundings. As we have indicated, this process will take a considerable amount of time. Our commitment to the health, well-being and care of these belugas, like every animal we rescue, continues. “Other Whales Rescued From MarinelandUnfortunately, Cyprus is not the first beluga whale to die after making the long journey from Canada’s Marineland.Credit: Marineland of CanadaSince early September, four rescued belugas have died at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Illinois: Caspian, a 27-year-old female; Peekachu, a 23-year-old female; Rain, a 20-year-old female; and Osiris, a 26-year-old female. The Shedd also lost a 34-year-old male beluga named Beethoven in September. However, Beethoven had been part of Shedd’s resident pod for decades, and his necropsy results found that he likely died of old age, unrelated to the other four deaths of the Marineland belugas.On September 18, a 19-year-old rescued female beluga whale named Jelly Bean died at the Oceanogràfic València aquarium in Spain. A 30-year-old blind Black Sea bottlenose dolphin named Echo also died at the Spanish aquarium after being rescued from Marineland.Credit: ANDR3W A, FlickrNecropsies of the deceased whales from Marineland found that some suffered health issues that existed before their rescues, including chronic liver disease and chronic inflammatory disease in the gastrointestinal tracts. Some of their stomachs contained non-edible foreign materials, including large porous rocks, sticks, bird feathers, and paint flecks/chips. Experts concluded that the belugas could not have ingested these objects at their new facilities and attributed these ingestions to chronic boredom and abnormal behaviors in captivity at Marineland.In total, 30 beluga whales and four Black Sea bottlenose dolphins were rescued from Marineland. Animal experts warned that the creatures were in fragile condition and may have undiscovered medical conditions that could affect their future care in their new homes. Previously, 14 captive whales and one dolphin had died over the course of four years in Marineland’s care.Credit: Marineland of CanadaThe remaining 24 whales and three dolphins continue to receive around-the-clock care at the Shedd Aquarium, SeaWorld San Diego, SeaWorld San Antonio, the Georgia Aquarium, the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, and Oceanogràfic València.Have you ever visited SeaWorld San Diego? Tell Inside the Magic about your experience in the comments! The post 9-Year-Old Whale Dies Suddenly at SeaWorld San Diego, Investigation Underway appeared first on Inside the Magic.