6 Beluga Whales Who Spent Months in Shuttered Canadian Marine Park Reach Their U.S. New Homes

A group of six beluga whales has successfully transitioned from Marineland, a defunct amusement park in Ontario, Canada, to various aquariums across the United States. This relocation comes amid concerns for the whales’ welfare, following the facility’s closure in September 2024 due to ongoing financial difficulties and accusations of animal mistreatment.

The move was set into motion after the passing of Canada’s 2019 legislation, which prohibited the acquisition and breeding of whales for entertainment purposes. This law further complicated Marineland’s situation, as it lost the possibility of selling the whales to a Chinese theme park, a plan that had been denied by federal authorities earlier this year.

Representatives from several U.S. aquariums, including Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, collaborated to orchestrate the relocation. On July 20, after being cleared by veterinarians for travel, the six belugas began their journey to safety. Their transport was overseen by specialists in marine mammal care, ensuring the animals’ health and well-being throughout the process.

The following day, Shedd Aquarium announced that four female belugas, named Acadia, Osiris, Sierra, and Lillooet—ages ranging from 21 to 27—had safely arrived at their new home in Chicago. The whales were transported in specialised containers designed to maintain their cold-water environment during the journey, which involved both truck and plane travel.

The two male belugas, Bertie Botts and Frankie, were temporarily housed with the females during their transit to Chicago before proceeding to SeaWorld San Antonio. Both of these facilities already care for established pods of belugas, which should assist in their shared acclimatisation.

Further transfers are planned for the remaining belugas still in Marineland’s care. Georgia Aquarium and SeaWorld San Diego are slated to receive additional members of the group, while two belugas are expected to travel to Oceanogràfic València, an oceanarium located in Spain, once final approvals are granted.

Marineland’s struggles began to surface earlier this year when the park was officially put up for sale. However, as funding waned, a formal plan was presented, indicating a need for the swift removal of marine animals from the property due to financial constraints. This prompted urgent discussions about the well-being of the remaining whales, especially following the failed attempt to sell them to a foreign theme park.

Criticism erupted in response to Marineland’s communications detailing that euthanasia would be a possible outcome should funding not be secured. Animal advocacy groups condemned these threats, labelling the situation as desperate and reckless, ultimately prompting a nationwide conversation on the treatment of captive marine animals.

In January, contingency plans led to a breakthrough when approval was granted for relocating the belugas, subject to health screenings and preparations by their new facilities. U.S. authorities, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, officially endorsed these measures earlier this month, ensuring a safe pathway for the whales.

The six belugas that have relocated to the United States are currently under continuous observation and care to facilitate their adjustment. In a statement, Dan Ashe, president and CEO of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, expressed pride in the collaborative efforts of accredited institutions. He emphasised the commitment to protecting animals in distress and recognised the importance of expertise, funding, and sanctuary.

This collective effort shines a light on the growing momentum for better treatment standards for marine mammals in captivity, as well as concerned advocacy for their welfare. The successful relocation of the belugas is a testament to the dedication of wildlife organisations striving for the defence of animal rights amid challenging circumstances, paving the way for a more humane future for captive marine life.