Jelly Bean, one of the belugas transported from the Marineland Canada facility, died suddenly during the night at the Oceanogràfic in Valencia. The cetacean arrived at the facilities on August 27 along with another beluga, Cleopatra, and four dolphins, as part of an international rescue operation that sought to relocate the animals after years of staying in a center that had been inactive for nearly two years. Since its arrival, all the animals have been under constant monitoring by the veterinary team and caretakers of the center, in an effort to facilitate their adaptation to the new environment.
In recent days, Jelly Bean has had difficulty eating, which has led to an increase in medical monitoring, with continuous control 24 hours a day. Despite these efforts, the beluga has shown episodes of improvement and maintained a receptive attitude towards its caregivers, which generated some hope in the team. However, this evolution was not enough to prevent its death, which occurred unexpectedly during the early hours of Tuesday morning.
The Oceanogràfic has expressed its deep sadness for the loss, highlighting that the team of professionals who worked with Jelly Bean is affected by the event. Although the exact cause of death has not yet been determined, it has been announced that a post-mortem examination will be carried out in collaboration with a group of pathologists from the CEU Cardenal Herrera University. The analysis will aim to investigate possible factors such as pre-existing conditions, complications derived from the transfer or difficulties related to adaptation to the new habitat.
The rescue operation, which included the relocation of 30 belugas from Canada, highlighted the complexity of reintegrating animals after long periods in insufficient conditions. The center’s managers have pointed out that each animal had a unique history and specific needs, so individualized and continuous follow-up is essential to accurately assess their health. This case underscores the importance of adaptation and monitoring protocols in conservation centers, as well as the need for further studies to improve the management of future transfers.
Meanwhile, Cleopatra and the four rescued dolphins continue to evolve favorably under constant supervision. Their progress contrasts with the tragic ending of Jelly Bean, reminding us of the inherent risks of these processes. The center has highlighted that the experience gained with this case is key to perfecting care strategies and ensuring better well-being for the animals that arrive from environments doomed to inactivity or abuse.