The first group of rescued beluga whales from Marineland Canada has safely arrived at their new homes in the United States, marking a major milestone in one of the largest marine mammal relocation projects ever undertaken.
SeaWorld confirmed that the whales were successfully transported to accredited aquariums in Chicago and San Antonio, where they will continue receiving specialised care.
Why the Belugas Are Being Relocated
The relocation follows Marineland Canada’s decision to permanently phase out its marine mammal operations after years of declining attendance, financial difficulties and increasing public and political pressure over the keeping of whales and dolphins in captivity.
In recent years, Canada introduced legislation prohibiting the breeding and acquisition of cetaceans, while Marineland also faced animal welfare investigations and multiple legal challenges. As the park prepares for a future without whales and dolphins, its remaining belugas are gradually being transferred to accredited facilities capable of providing long-term care.
Complex International Rescue Operation
Moving beluga whales is an enormous logistical challenge. For the journey, each animal travelled in specially designed, temperature-controlled transport containers by both truck and aircraft.
Throughout the relocation, teams of veterinarians, aquatic medicine specialists and animal care experts accompanied the whales. During parts of the journey, trained caregivers remained in the water alongside the animals to continuously monitor their condition and ensure their wellbeing.
Several Aquariums Working Together
The relocation is being carried out through a collaboration between several AZA-accredited institutions. SeaWorld is working alongside Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Georgia Aquarium and Mystic Aquarium to provide new homes for the former Marineland whales.
These organisations have spent months preparing specialised habitats and coordinating one of the largest cetacean transfers ever attempted in North America.
More Transfers Still to Come
The arrival of the first belugas is only the beginning of the project. Additional whales are expected to be relocated over the coming weeks as the carefully coordinated operation continues.
Once all transfers have been completed, the former Marineland belugas will live across several accredited facilities that specialise in the care, conservation and scientific research of marine mammals.
The relocation represents the end of more than six decades of keeping beluga whales at Marineland Canada and marks the beginning of a new chapter for one of the world’s largest captive beluga populations.
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