Four beluga whales from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, were safely transported to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago after being guided into custom slings and tanks by a specialized team. The females joined four other belugas previously transferred in July. The whales were escorted to Toronto’s Pearson airport, where the males flew to Georgia Aquarium and the females to Chicago.
The four new female arrivals are currently adjusting to their new surroundings at Shedd’s Abbott Oceanarium under constant observation by the animal care team. Each beluga, including Caspian, Peekachu, Rain, and Secord, will soon be reunited with their companions from Marineland to reinforce social bonds and aid in their acclimatization process.
Shedd is closely monitoring the whales’ well-being, food intake, and behavior around-the-clock, with early signs indicating successful progress. The aquarium remains committed to rescuing up to two additional belugas from Marineland as part of the ongoing operation to relocate the remaining whales due to financial constraints at the park.
Marineland, which closed to the public in 2024, faces challenges in caring for the whales, leading to their relocation to the United States. The first phase of transfers saw belugas move to Shedd and SeaWorld in San Antonio, with subsequent moves planned for other facilities. The complex operation is crucial for the whales’ survival, with the ultimate goal of finding suitable homes for all remaining belugas and dolphins from Marineland.
Efforts to secure emergency funding and international partnerships have facilitated the relocations, preventing the euthanization of the animals if the moves were unsuccessful. Additional American and Spanish aquariums are expected to house some of Marineland’s marine mammals, contributing to the broader conservation efforts in the industry.
As the relocation process continues, the focus remains on ensuring the well-being and safety of the whales during their transition to new environments. Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson commended the collaborative efforts of various organizations and facilities involved in the successful transfers, emphasizing the importance of continued dedication to marine animal welfare.