In brief
A six‑member pod of beluga whales has moved from Canada’s shuttered Marineland to new homes in the U.S., arriving at facilities in Chicago and San Antonio. The relocation follows months of planning and veterinary checks, with the whales being transported in insulated containers by truck and plane. Marine‑mammal vets trailed the animals throughout, and they are now being monitored as they adjust to their new environments. This move marks the first phase of a larger international effort to rehome the 30‑strong pod that could no longer be cared for at Marineland. The U.S. aquariums and veterinary teams are focusing on ensuring the whales’ health and wellbeing during the transition.
Six beluga whales have made their way from a closed Canadian marine park to new U.S. homes in the wake of Marineland of Canada’s closure.
Of the approximately 30 whales that call Marineland home, six were selected for relocation, arriving at a Chicago facility (Sierra, Acadia, Osiris and Lillooet) and at SeaWorld in San Antonio, Texas (Bertie Botts and Frankie).
The transfer was carried out in purpose‑built cold‑water containers, by truck and plane, with marine‑mammal veterinarians supervising the animals throughout.
This first stage marks an unprecedented international relocation effort, following extensive veterinary checks and months of planning.
Specialist teams are now monitoring the whales as they adjust to their new environments and ensuring their ongoing health and wellbeing.
