Four beluga whales from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ont., were successfully transported to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago on Thursday morning. These four females will be joining four other belugas that were transferred to the aquarium in July.
At Marineland, a team carefully guided the six belugas into a custom sling before moving them into tanks. After being escorted by police to Toronto’s Pearson airport, the males were flown to Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, while the females headed to Chicago.
The new female arrivals are currently settling into the Abbott Oceanarium at Shedd, where they are being closely monitored as they adjust to their new environment. The aquarium’s animal care team is observing the whales’ behavior and ensuring they are adapting well.
The belugas, including Caspian, Peekachu, Rain, and Secord, will soon be reunited with the other four belugas at Shedd, fostering important social bonds among the group. The aquarium is committed to rescuing up to two more belugas from Marineland in the future.
Marineland, facing financial challenges, has been transferring its belugas and dolphins to U.S. facilities, with the recent move being a crucial step for the whales’ survival. The park had planned to sell the belugas to a Chinese aquarium but was prevented by government intervention. Following negotiations with American and Spanish aquariums, the current series of transfers was arranged.
If the remaining whales are not relocated, Marineland has stated they will be euthanized. The park aims to have all the whales removed by the end of the month. Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson acknowledged the successful relocation of the belugas, crediting various organizations and facilities for their collaboration in the rescue efforts.
