Marineland has initiated the relocation of a third group of whales to aquariums located outside of Canada. Skilled workers at the now-closed tourist spot in Niagara Falls, Ontario, are carefully maneuvering six beluga whales into a specially designed sling before transferring them into tanks. Subsequently, a convoy escorted by police will transport the two male and four female whales to Toronto’s Pearson airport for air travel to Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. Marineland ceased operations to the public in 2024 and is currently on sale due to financial constraints affecting its ability to provide care for the whales.
This recent relocation follows the transfer of 30 belugas and four dolphins, the last captive marine mammals in Canada, to the United States in the previous month. Initially, six belugas were sent to Shedd and SeaWorld in San Antonio, with an additional seven belugas moved to the San Antonio facility shortly after. Described by Marineland as an “unprecedented” operation, this relocation effort is crucial for the survival of the whales.
Despite a prior attempt to sell all 30 belugas to a Chinese aquarium, the sale was blocked by the fisheries minister citing concerns for the animals’ welfare. In response, Marineland threatened to euthanize the whales without emergency funding from the government, garnering international attention. A subsequent agreement was reached with a group of American and Spanish aquariums, facilitating the ongoing series of relocations.
Other institutions such as SeaWorld in San Diego and Oceanografic Valencia in Spain are also expected to receive some of the whales or dolphins from Marineland. In the event that the current moves do not proceed, euthanasia may be considered for the remaining 11 belugas and four dolphins. Marineland aims to complete the relocation of all whales by the end of the month.
