Marineland relocates whales to US aquariums as financial struggles continue.
Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ont., has initiated the transfer of a third group of whales to aquariums outside Canada. A specialized team is carefully moving six beluga whales into custom slings before transporting them to tanks.
The belugas, consisting of two males and four females, will be escorted by police in a convoy to Toronto’s Pearson airport. From there, they will be flown to Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.
Marineland, which closed its doors in 2024, is facing financial challenges and can no longer support the whales. Last month, the park began relocating its remaining 30 belugas and four dolphins, the last in captivity in Canada.
In a significant operation called “unprecedented” by Marineland, six belugas were moved to Shedd and SeaWorld in San Antonio in July, followed by another seven to the San Antonio facility.
To ensure the whales’ well-being, a deal with American and Spanish aquariums has been arranged to facilitate the ongoing transfers. Other institutions like SeaWorld in San Diego and Oceanografic Valencia in Spain are also expected to take in some of Marineland’s marine mammals.
If the whales are not relocated, Marineland has stated that euthanasia may be the only option. Following the recent move, 11 belugas and four dolphins will remain, with plans to have all the whales relocated by the end of the month.
