Marineland dolphin dies at Spain aquarium after transfer
Marineland dolphin death in Spain raises concerns after relocation Get the latest on Echo’s condition, the move, and what experts are examining
A dolphin moved from Marineland to an aquarium in Spain has died, becoming the fifth animal from the former Niagara Falls attraction to die after relocation efforts this summer.
Oceanogràfic de València said Echo, a blind Black Sea bottlenose dolphin believed to be about 30 years old, developed swallowing and breathing problems before her condition worsened. She died on Wednesday after being moved to a medical pool for treatment.
Echo was transferred to Spain on Aug. 26 with three other dolphins and two belugas as Marineland moved its remaining whales and dolphins to aquariums in the United States and Spain. Oceanogràfic said necropsies and other expert examinations are underway to help determine the cause of death, while the other four animals from Canada are said to be doing well. Marineland closed in 2024, and officials had said the animals needed to be relocated because the park could no longer care for them.