Beluga whale unexpectedly dies in San Diego, two months after being rescued

Nine-year-old Cyprus was one of three beluga whales SeaWorld San Diego took in from a shuttered Canadian animal park.

SAN DIEGO — Staff at SeaWorld San Diego are mourning the unexpected death of a beluga whale named Cyprus, part of a group recently rescued from a Canadian animal park that has since shut down. Cyprus passed away on Sunday at the age of nine.

Cyprus was among three beluga whales rescued during a significant international relocation effort after Canada’s Marineland closed, which involved transferring 30 belugas to facilities across the U.S. and Spain. This operation was unprecedented, utilizing specialized cold water containers that traveled by truck and cargo planes before the whales were placed into their new tanks. Veterinarians and marine mammal specialists accompanied the whales throughout the relocation process to ensure their well-being.

This story continues below.

During a visit to SeaWorld less than two months ago, staff expressed optimism about the whales’ adjustment, remarking on their personalities, with one staff member noting, “To me these guys they have such a great personality – they’re fun and goofy.” At that time, Cyprus was reportedly eating consistently and acclimating well to his new environment, engaging with his trainers and the other two belugas.

However, just a few days before his death, Cyprus stopped eating. An ultrasound revealed that his intestinal tract was not functioning normally, indicating a serious condition. Despite immediate medical attention provided by veterinarians who worked through the night, he tragically did not survive.

SeaWorld released a statement, explaining, “Like many species, belugas can mask discomfort or underlying concerns that are not immediately visible.” They acknowledged that the transition for each animal might reveal health issues that were previously undetected, which would only become clear through ongoing assessment and care.

Including Cyprus, a total of six beluga whales that were transferred from Marineland have died in their new homes. SeaWorld indicated that a full necropsy would be performed, with findings to be reported to NOAA. Meanwhile, the other two rescued belugas in San Diego are reported to be in stable health and are being closely monitored.

Watch: Belugas arriving in San Diego in August 2026: