One of the largest marine mammal rescue operations ever is underway in Canada as experts begin relocating 30 beluga whales from the now-closed Marineland Canada in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The ambitious mission follows fears that the whales may eventually face euthanasia after the park’s closure in 2024 reduces funding for their care. The first six belugas have already been transported to accredited aquariums in the United States after undergoing extensive veterinary evaluation. Marine mammal experts, veterinarians and caregivers are overseeing every phase of the operation, which is expected to continue for several weeks before all 30 whales are safely transferred to new long-term homes.
Why are 30 beluga whales being transferred to Canada?
The rescue operation precipitated Marineland Canada’s closure in September 2024 after years of controversy over animal welfare allegations, legal challenges and declining visitor numbers. Although the donation initially covered the care of the remaining whales, they eventually ran out of funds. In October 2025, Marineland asked for financial assistance from the Canadian government, warning that it would no longer be able to feed and care for the marine mammals. Animal welfare advocates feared that the whales could eventually face euthanasia if a permanent solution was not found, leading to an international rescue effort.
How the historic rescue operation is unfolding
The transfer began with six beluga whales leaving Marineland for their new homes in the United States. Before the voyage, each whale underwent extensive health testing to ensure it was suitable for transport. The belugas were lifted using specially designed support slings before being placed inside custom-built cold-water transport containers. They were then transported by truck to Toronto Pearson International Airport and flown on a Qatar Airways Boeing 777 cargo aircraft under constant veterinary supervision.
Each step of the transfer is being overseen by aquatic veterinarians, marine mammal trainers and animal care specialists. Officials said the whales are never left unattended during transport, with caretakers constantly monitoring their breathing, hydration, stress levels and overall health. Some caretakers even traveled with the whales inside the special transport zone to ensure immediate assistance when needed. Experts described the animals as being in excellent health prior to departure despite their uncertain future in the marine environment.
Which aquariums will receive rescued belugas?
The first six belugas have safely arrived at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and SeaWorld San Antonio in Texas. The remaining 24 whales will be gradually transferred over the coming months to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, SeaWorld San Diego in California, and Oceanographic Valencia in Spain. Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut is also supporting the operation by providing veterinary expertise and logistical support throughout the rescue.Veterinarians say the period immediately after arrival is most critical for the whale’s recovery and adjustment. Care teams are closely monitoring whether the belugas begin eating normally, exploring their new surroundings, speaking and interacting with other whales. These behaviors are considered key indicators that animals are successfully adapting to their new environment. Additional medical care and nutritional support will be provided whenever necessary during the transition.
Belugas being transported with their social groups
Beluga whales are highly social animals that form strong family bonds. To reduce stress, marine biologists carefully studied the whales’ existing relationships before deciding how they would be relocated. Rather than separating individuals, rescue teams organized transfers so that established social groups could stay together, increasing the chances that the whales would successfully adapt to their new homes.
Emergency permit cleared loophole
The rescue required approval from authorities in both Canada and the United States. Earlier this month, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued an emergency permit allowing the whales to be transported into the country. Fisheries and Oceans Canada also supported the relocation plan, while Marineland requested assistance from the Association of Accredited Aquariums after recognizing that it could no longer provide long-term care for the animals.
This is one of the most complex marine mammal translocations ever performed
Relocating beluga whales is a huge logistical challenge because adult animals can grow up to 16 feet long and weigh up to several thousand pounds. The operation required months of planning involving veterinarians, transportation experts, airlines, and marine mammal experts. Every step of the journey, from lifting the whales in transport slings to maintaining water temperature and monitoring vital signs during the flight, is carefully designed to minimize stress and maximize the animals’ safety.
What happens next to the rescued whales?
The remaining 24 belugas will continue to be relocated in carefully planned phases over the coming weeks and months, depending on weather conditions, veterinary clearance and aircraft availability. Once settled, the whales will join beluga pods established in their new facilities, where they will receive ongoing veterinary care, behavioral monitoring and enrichment. Conservationists say the transfer offers the animals a stable future after uncertainty following Marineland Canada’s closure and represents one of the most significant international marine mammal rescue efforts ever undertaken.