“Marineland’s financial interest in shipping the animals off-site so it can pursue its multi-million dollar real estate deal should not in any way factor into the government’s decision to grant export permits.” – Kaitlyn Mitchell, director of legal advocacy at Animal Justice
A News Release from Animal Justice, a Canadian citizens’ advocacy group for protecting animals
Posted August 29th, 2026 on Niagara At Large
TORONTO—Animal Justice is calling on federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson to immediately investigate the death of Peekachu, a 23-year-old beluga whale who died at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago less than two weeks after being exported from Marineland, and to halt further beluga transports until the investigation is complete and the public can be sure the remaining whales are healthy enough for transport.
Peekachu arrived in Chicago on Aug. 13 and was found to be dehydrated before her sudden death on Tuesday (August 18). Her tragic death comes amid an unprecedented effort to relocate dozens of belugas from Marineland, the notorious Niagra Falls roadside zoo and aquarium, to facilities across the U.S. and Spain. Six belugas remain at Marineland awaiting transport.
In a letter sent this Agust 27th, Animal Justice, Canada’s leading national animal law organization, urges the Minister to independently review Peekachu’s veterinary, transport, and necropsy records, including her health status before departure and throughout the transport and acclimation process.
The group is urging the Minister to determine how Peekachu came to be approved for transport despite apparent underlying health problems in order to prevent future beluga deaths.
Animal Justice is also asking that the results of the investigation be made public, given that the health and well-being of these animals is a matter of significant interest for Canadians.
“Given the government’s public assurances that the health of all individual whales and dolphins would be thoroughly and independently assessed before transport, it is deeply concerning that Peekachu was likely suffering from compromised health when she was exported from Canada,” said Kaitlyn Mitchell, director of legal advocacy at Animal Justice.
Cetacean transport is an inherently stressful and potentially dangerous process, particularly for animals whose health may already be compromised. Captive belugas generally experience severe dehydration as a result of refusal to eat, caused by underlying illness or chronic stress.
The government has a legal responsibility under the Fisheries Act to ensure that any export is genuinely in the best interests of the individual animals, not simply expedient for the facility seeking to remove them.
“Marineland’s financial interest in shipping the animals off-site so it can pursue its multi-million dollar real estate deal should not in any way factor into the government’s decision to grant export permits,” Ms. Mitchell said. “Peekachu’s death is a stark illustration of the need for robust, independent safeguards to protect the well-being of whales being exported from Marineland,” Ms. Mitchell said.
“Minister Thompson has demonstrated a genuine interest in protecting the whales and dolphins held at this notorious facility. We’re asking her to step up now, when these animals need her most, and investigate this death to prevent additional exports of unhealthy belugas before it’s too late.”
About Animal Justice – Animal Justice is the only organization of its kind making sure that animals have a legal voice in Canada. Our team of compassionate lawyers and advocates fight for stronger legal protections for animals.
For more on Animal Justice, click on – Animal Justice: Canada’s National Animal Law Advocacy Organization
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