Marineland has initiated the relocation of a third group of whales to aquariums located beyond Canada. At the now-closed Marineland facility in Niagara Falls, Ontario, a team of specialized workers is carefully moving six beluga whales into a custom sling one by one before lifting them into tanks. Subsequently, a convoy escorted by police will transport the whales – comprising two males and four females – to Toronto’s Pearson airport. From there, they will be loaded onto a plane for transport to Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.
In 2024, Marineland ceased operations to the public and put the park and its expansive property up for sale due to financial constraints preventing the adequate care of the whales. Prior to the recent relocation efforts, the park housed 30 belugas and four dolphins, representing the last captive marine mammals in Canada. The initial transfer in July saw six belugas moved to Shedd and SeaWorld in San Antonio, followed by an additional seven belugas sent to the San Antonio facility weeks later.
Described by Marineland as an “unprecedented” operation critical for the whales’ survival, the ongoing process is essential for their well-being. The park had initially planned to sell all 30 belugas to a large aquarium in China, but the sale was blocked by the fisheries minister, deeming it unfavorable for the animals. In response, Marineland threatened to euthanize all the whales without emergency funding from the government, garnering international attention. Subsequently, a new agreement with a coalition of American and Spanish aquariums, facilitated by the government, paved the way for the current relocation endeavors.
Besides Shedd and Georgia Aquariums, SeaWorld in San Diego and Oceanografic Valencia in Spain are also expected to receive some of the remaining whales or dolphins from Marineland. Failure to relocate the animals will result in euthanasia. Following the latest transfer, 11 belugas and four dolphins will remain at Marineland, with the park aiming to complete the relocation of all whales by the end of the month.