U.S. authorities have approved an emergency plan to move 28 beluga whales from the shuttered Marineland theme park in Ontario to four accredited American aquariums, including SeaWorld San Antonio.
The plan calls for 13 whales to go to SeaWorld San Antonio, three to SeaWorld San Diego, 10 to Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and two to Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. Two additional belugas are expected to move to Oceanogràfic València in Spain, but the Spanish facility is still awaiting necessary permits.
Canadian authorities endorsed the broader relocation plan in June, and U.S. approval allows the American facilities to begin the rescue process.
Veterinarians must evaluate and clear each whale for travel before transport. The participating aquariums said the operation could take several weeks or months as teams prioritize the animals’ health and safety.
Park warned whales could face euthanasia
Marineland, located near Niagara Falls, closed to the public in late summer 2024 and later said financial problems had left it unable to provide long-term care for its remaining belugas.
The park warned that it might euthanize the whales if officials did not approve a relocation plan or provide additional financial support. Shedd Aquarium said Marineland and Canada’s zoological accrediting organization asked several U.S. aquariums to develop an emergency solution for the 30 belugas.
Canada previously rejected a proposal to send the whales to an aquarium in China. Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson said the proposed transfer conflicted with Canada’s 2019 law restricting the captivity and breeding of whales and dolphins for entertainment.
SeaWorld San Antonio set to receive largest group
The emergency authorization request filed with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration lists 13 belugas for SeaWorld of Texas, the largest group assigned to any single receiving facility.
The request states that the U.S. facilities have the space, veterinary resources and transport experience needed to provide continued care for the whales. Shedd Aquarium said it is preparing to accept up to 10 belugas at its 3-million-gallon cold-water oceanarium.
Georgia Aquarium said animal care teams will monitor the whales’ health, behavior and social groupings after arrival and slowly introduce them to existing beluga pods.
Marineland faced years of scrutiny
Twenty whales, including 19 belugas and one killer whale, have died at Marineland since 2019, according to provincial government data and official statements reviewed by The Canadian Press.
The aquariums said the relocation is a rescue operation designed to provide the whales with long-term veterinary care, specialized diets and monitored habitats. The animals will remain at Marineland until health assessments, transportation arrangements and remaining permits are complete.
Provided by Dallas Express
