Rescued beluga Cyprus dies at SeaWorld San Diego

Cyprus, a 9-year-old beluga rescued from a closed Canadian theme park, died Sunday night at SeaWorld San Diego, ABC7 Los Angeles reported. He was the sixth rescued beluga to die, according to the report.

Cyprus was among 30 belugas and four dolphins rescued earlier in the summer from Marineland in Ontario, Canada. His death adds to losses among the rescued animals, although SeaWorld said the other rescued belugas in its care remain in stable health.

Cyprus abruptly stopped eating before his death, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. An ultrasound indicated a possible intestinal problem, but the cause of death has not been established.

SeaWorld said in a social media post that Cyprus had previously eaten regularly and adjusted to his surroundings. He also had been engaging with trainers, animal care staff and two other rescued belugas, the station reported.

The park said belugas can conceal signs of discomfort or health problems that are not readily apparent. Further testing is planned, according to the report.

The deaths extend beyond San Diego. Four rescued belugas have died since August at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, ABC7 Los Angeles reported.

Shedd Aquarium said the six rescued belugas still in its care had made nutritional progress. SeaWorld separately reported stable health among its other rescued belugas.

The possible intestinal problem remains a preliminary finding. SeaWorld plans further testing, and Cyprus' cause of death remains undetermined, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.