Four beluga whales previously housed at Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, were safely transported to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago the following day. These four female belugas will be joining four other belugas that were transferred to the aquarium back in July. The transfer of the whales involved a team of specialized workers carefully guiding each beluga into a custom sling before placing them in tanks.
After being escorted by police to Toronto’s Pearson airport, the two male belugas were flown to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, while the female belugas were taken to Chicago. The female belugas are currently settling into their new environment at Shedd’s 11.3-million-liter Abbott Oceanarium under close observation. The aquarium’s director of animal behavior and training, Charlie Jacobsma, emphasized the importance of a gradual transition for the whales as they adapt to their new surroundings.
The recent arrivals at Shedd include Caspian, a 27-year-old beluga known for his “big personality”; Peekachu, a 23-year-old energetic and confident beluga with a non-functioning right eye; Rain, a 20-year-old beluga with a unique forehead; and Secord, a 22-year-old beluga recognized for her long upper jaw and playful behavior with enrichment items. These newcomers will be reuniting with the other belugas from Marineland with whom they share strong social bonds.
Shedd’s animal care team is closely monitoring the eight belugas, ensuring their well-being by tracking food intake and respiration patterns. Early assessments indicate that the belugas are adjusting well to their new environment. Shedd has expressed its commitment to potentially rescuing two more belugas from Marineland in the future.
Marineland, which closed to the public in 2024 and is currently up for sale, faced financial constraints leading to the decision to transfer the belugas. The park had previously intended to sell all 30 belugas to a Chinese aquarium but faced opposition from the fisheries minister, resulting in alternative arrangements with American and Spanish aquariums.
In the event that the remaining belugas are not relocated, Marineland has indicated that euthanasia may be considered. With 11 belugas and four dolphins still at Marineland following the recent transfers, the park aims to complete the relocation process by the end of the month. Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson commended the efforts of various organizations and facilities involved in the successful rescue and relocation of the belugas.