Zeus, one of the few remaining walruses at Marineland in Niagara Falls, has died.

After enquiries by The Review early Monday, the park announced later that afternoon that Zeus had died "suddenly and peacefully" of natural causes on Dec. 26.

It marks the second walrus to die at the park in the past 19 months, following the death of Sonja in May, 2017.

In its statement, not received by The Review until Tuesday morning, Marineland says Zeus was under "normal full-time, veterinary oversight and marine mammal care and showed no signs of illness prior to passing away."

Former park employee Phil Demers begs to differ.

"Contrary to Marineland's claims . Zeus the walrus was visibly ill and the source of much of Marineland controversy for years."

In 2016, Demers posted video of Zeus appearing emaciated and listless at the park, with his spine protruding sharply from his back. He estimated the walrus was then about 13 years old and should have weighed about 3,000 pounds. He said the thin walrus in the video likely weighed about 1,000 pounds.

The video was shared by animal rights group PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment for Animals) and website The Dodo. Marineland responded by releasing new photos of Zeus appearing healthy, and a video of him eating fish. The park said Demers "has no education regarding walrus health," and that "allegations against Zeus are completely false."

Demers worked at the park for 12 years, and says an argument with former park owner John Holer, who died last June, over Zeus's health was a large reason he quit his job in 2012. He subsequently drew huge media attention about alleged conditions at the park, resulting in a $1.5-million lawsuit against him that is still before the courts.

Marineland says an "independent and full necropsy "confirmed Zeus died of natural causes due to heart failure." Prior to his death he was "interacting and eating normally and was generally at a healthy weight."

"Zeus lived a life full of enrichment among his walrus friends. Zeus left his mark on millions of children and families who got to know him and learn about walruses through their interactions with him at Marineland."

The necropsy was provided to the Animal Care Committee "pursuant to the strict Ontario Marine Mammal Care regulations."

"Everyone at Marineland is saddened by his passing."

Demers accused Marineland of only announcing its animal deaths after he publicly reveals them on social media.

"Photos and videos of an emaciated Zeus went viral several times over the years, documenting his visibly unhealthy weight."

Demers believes there are now two walruses remaining at the park, Smooshi and Apollo.

He next appears in court with representatives of the park Feb. 1.

"Marineland is fast disappearing from existence," he says. "They won't be missed."

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