A complex international effort is underway to relocate 30 beluga whales from a closed aquarium in Canada to facilities in the United States and Spain. The operation involves a series of intricate steps, including transporting the whales by road and air, with multiple logistical challenges to overcome.

The process begins at the aquarium, where each beluga must be carefully lifted from its enclosure using a crane. The whales are then placed into specially designed transport boxes lined with foam and rubber to protect their size and weight during transit. These containers are built large enough to accommodate both the whale and the stretcher that supports it.

Once secured in their containers, the whales are loaded onto waiting trucks for transfer to nearby airports. Finding suitable cargo planes capable of carrying the weight and dimensions of the belugas, alongside at least one attendant per animal to monitor their condition, is a critical component of the operation.

To date, six of the whales have been successfully moved out of Canada as part of this relocation project. The aquariums receiving the belugas have been preparing to integrate them into their marine mammal programs, aiming to provide environments better suited to the animals’ needs following the closure of their original home.

The relocation underscores the challenges involved in transporting large marine mammals, requiring coordination among multiple organizations across several countries and extensive resources to ensure the whales’ safety and welfare throughout the journey.