A total of 30 beluga whales have been relocated from Marineland, an aquatic park in Niagara Falls, Ontario, to multiple aquariums across the United States and Spain as part of an unprecedented animal rescue effort. The transfers began last week with the first flight carrying six whales—four to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and two to SeaWorld San Antonio. Over the coming weeks, the remaining 24 belugas are scheduled to be transported to facilities including Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, SeaWorld San Diego, and Oceanogràfic València in Spain.

The relocation follows Marineland’s closure to the public earlier this year amid declining attendance and allegations of animal abuse, which the park has denied. Since closing, the belugas have remained under the care of Marineland’s longtime staff. Planning for the move started in January when U.S.-based veterinarians and marine mammal specialists conducted on-site assessments to evaluate the health of the whales and to coordinate their transfer.

The whales, which range in age from 8 to 30 years and weigh between 1,000 and 3,000 pounds, were reported to be in good health despite concerns about the condition of the facility. Experts worked closely with Marineland staff to compile detailed medical histories and behavioral profiles to ensure compatible placements with resident whales at the receiving aquariums.

The logistics of the transfers were complex. A chartered Boeing 777 cargo plane operated by Qatar Airways was secured for the flights, and three trucks were arranged to transport the whales between the airport and aquariums. The operations involved precise timing and coordination, with teams assisting the whales into stretchers using cranes and providing anti-anxiety medication for the journey. Throughout transit, the whales were carefully monitored, with staff maintaining water temperature and hydration while minimizing stress.

Upon arrival, customs agents inspected the animals and their equipment before the whales were taken to their respective new habitats. The entire relocation process from Marineland to Texas took approximately 15 hours.

The rescue effort represents one of the largest of its kind involving beluga whales. Dan Ashe, president of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, described it as "unprecedented," highlighting the scale and complexity of moving 30 large marine mammals simultaneously.

The initiative follows Canada’s 2019 ban on breeding captive whales and dolphins for entertainment, which was enacted to prevent future generations from living in confined conditions. Animal advocacy groups have expressed concerns that relocating the belugas to other jurisdictions without breeding restrictions merely continues the challenges faced by these animals. They had hoped the whales would be moved to a sanctuary in Canada that is still under development.

Representatives from the participating aquariums emphasize that their current focus is on the safe resettlement and well-being of the rescued belugas, rather than breeding programs. Costs associated with the rescue are reportedly shared by Marineland, the Canadian government, and the receiving institutions, with estimates reaching into the millions.

Among the belugas newly arrived at Shedd Aquarium—named Acadia, Lillooet, Osiris, and Sierra—staff report positive social interactions and overall progress in acclimating to their new environment. Shedd’s facility, featuring a 3-million-gallon, 30-foot-deep habitat, will eventually house 18 belugas, while SeaWorld San Antonio is set to receive 13, Georgia Aquarium two, SeaWorld San Diego three, and Oceanogràfic València two, pending final permits.

The collaborative rescue underscores a significant effort by North American and European marine institutions to provide specialized care for these large marine mammals after Marineland’s closure.