Seven additional whales are being relocated from Marineland to a new destination at an aquarium in the United States.
Marineland has initiated the second phase of its whale transfer initiative, following the successful transfer of six belugas to Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and SeaWorld in San Antonio a few weeks ago.
The seven female belugas named Xena, Gemini, Skyla, Meeka, Eve, Neva, and Calypso are currently en route to SeaWorld’s San Antonio facility, as confirmed by Marineland.
In an official statement released on Wednesday morning, SeaWorld San Antonio announced the arrival of seven rescued beluga whales after a nearly 2,000-mile journey. This relocation is part of a critical international effort to move 30 belugas from a closed marine park in Canada that can no longer provide proper care for them.
Steve Aibel, the Vice President of Animals and Conservation at SeaWorld San Antonio, expressed satisfaction with the successful completion of the second phase of the rescue operation, stating, “We are delighted that the transportation went smoothly, and all seven female belugas are now safely at SeaWorld San Antonio, receiving necessary veterinary care, nutrition, and attention to help them adjust to their new environment.”
The whales are currently kept in a secluded habitat away from public view to facilitate their transition. SeaWorld staff are closely monitoring the whales’ behavior, ensuring they are eating well, resting comfortably, and starting to engage with each other and their new surroundings.
One of Marineland’s advisors described the relocation process as unprecedented, involving custom slings, a large team of individuals, and ongoing international cooperation.
In a social media post, Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson acknowledged the safe relocation of another group of belugas to San Antonio. She expressed gratitude to various organizations, including the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums, and the receiving facilities, for their dedication in making this rescue mission possible.
Since 2024, Marineland has been closed to the public as it seeks to sell the park and its extensive property near Niagara Falls, Ontario, due to financial constraints preventing adequate whale care.
Prior attempts to send the belugas and dolphins to an aquarium in China were halted by Minister Thompson. Marineland has now applied to export the dolphins to U.S. and Spanish aquariums, pending veterinary assessments before export permits can be issued.
The park gained global attention when it threatened to euthanize its belugas without emergency funding, eventually reaching an agreement with U.S. and Spanish aquariums to facilitate the whale relocation plan.
The initial group of whales was relocated on July 20, marking the beginning of the relocation process for Marineland’s 30 belugas and four dolphins, making them the largest captive beluga group globally and the last captive whales and dolphins in Canada.