Six beluga whales relocated from closed Canadian marine park to US aquariums

Six beluga whales have been transported from Marineland, a closed marine park in Niagara Falls, Canada, to new homes in the United States, according to reports from ABC Australia, BBC — World, and The Guardian — World. The whales were part of a pod of 30 belugas that had been living at the park, which closed last year after decades of controversy and concerns about animal health and cruelty.

Four of the whales — named Sierra, Acadia, Osiris, and Lillooet — arrived at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium on Tuesday, local time, while two others, Bertie Botts and Frankie, were relocated to SeaWorld San Antonio in Texas. The six whales traveled in specialized, temperature-controlled containers by truck and plane, accompanied by marine mammal veterinarians and animal care specialists throughout the journey.

The move represents the first stage of an international relocation effort, as reported by BBC — World. Shedd Aquarium and SeaWorld San Antonio said teams are closely monitoring the belugas as they acclimate, providing round-the-clock care and assessing their health. Additional transfers to Georgia Aquarium and SeaWorld San Diego in the US and Oceanografic Valencia in Spain are being planned.

Karisa Tang, lead veterinarian at Shedd Aquarium, said it was a new chapter for the rescued belugas. "Now that they are here, the full attention of our care and veterinary teams is on getting to know these whales and providing whatever supplemental support, care, treatment, nutrition and attention we can provide to help them acclimatise to their new environment," she said.

The four belugas rehomed in Chicago were all female, specifically chosen to move together in a sub-pod because of their pre-existing bonds with one another.

Coverage Comparison

Reports of the relocation varied in emphasis. ABC Australia and BBC — World framed the story in a neutral, informative tone, focusing on the logistics of the transfer and the whales' arrival at their new facilities. The Guardian — World, however, adopted a more critical angle, highlighting Marineland's history of controversy and animal health concerns. The Guardian described the park as "embattled" and noted that it had been "plagued by reports of poor conditions" for the animals.

The Guardian also reported that 20 whales — 19 belugas and one orca — have died at the park since 2019, according to documents compiled by the Canadian Press. The outlet attributed the park's decline to dwindling visitors, bad press, and a 2019 federal law that banned the sale, captivity, and breeding of dolphins and whales. The controversies led to a feud between Marineland, the Canadian government, and activists, with the government blocking an attempt to transfer the whales to a theme park in China over concerns about their treatment. In response, Marineland threatened in October 2025 to euthanize its 30 belugas if the federal government did not support the park financially, as reported by The Guardian.

Key Claims

  • Six beluga whales have been transported from a closed Canadian marine park to aquariums in the United States. This was reported by ABC Australia, BBC — World, and The Guardian — World.
  • The whales were part of a large pod of 30 belugas living at Marineland of Canada that need to be rehomed. This was reported by ABC Australia and BBC — World.
  • The move was the first stage of an international relocation effort. This was reported by BBC — World.
  • The whales were transported in specialized cold-water containers by truck and plane, accompanied by marine mammal veterinarians. This was reported by ABC Australia, BBC — World, and The Guardian — World.
  • Marineland, the Canadian marine park, has a history of controversy and animal health concerns. This was reported by The Guardian — World.
  • Twenty whales, including 19 belugas and one orca, have died at Marineland since 2019. This was reported by The Guardian — World, citing documents compiled by the Canadian Press.
  • The Canadian government banned the sale, captivity, and breeding of dolphins and whales in 2019. This was reported by The Guardian — World.
  • Marineland threatened to euthanize its 30 belugas if the federal government did not support the park financially. This was reported by The Guardian — World.
  • The belugas are being monitored and cared for at their new homes. This was reported by ABC Australia, BBC — World, and The Guardian — World.

Perspectives

Phil Demers (former Marineland trainer and critic): As quoted by The Guardian — World, Demers expressed relief that the whales have left Marineland but said he cannot fully endorse the facilities they are going to. He is hopeful that US parks are subject to more stringent oversight of animal care compared with Canada, but he noted that the fight for the animals' improved existence will likely last their entire lifetimes.