Six more Marineland whales headed to U.S. aquariums

Six more beluga whales from Marineland, a former aquatic theme park in Niagara Falls, Ontario, have been transported to U.S. aquariums, marking a pivotal step in the largest coordinated relocation of captive whales in history. The move took place on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, as a team of veterinarians, marine biologists, and logistics experts carefully guided the six whales, two males and four females, into specialized slings and onto trucks bound for Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. From there, the whales will fly to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, joining previous transfers that have already relocated nearly two-thirds of Marineland’s remaining beluga population. The operation unfolded under overcast skies, with rain drizzling steadily throughout much of the day. Specialists at Marineland, which closed to the public in 2024 due to financial insolvency, began the process by lifting male belugas first, starting at approximately 3:30 p.m. Each whale was individually assessed and hoisted using cranes into custom-made transport tanks. The team monitored the weather closely, anticipating the possibility of a thunderstorm that could have delayed the operation. However, the clouds gradually dissipated, allowing the team to proceed with the female belugas in a second pool. As the females were lifted, they released powerful jets of water, creating visible arcs of spray that highlighted both the physical effort and emotional significance of the moment. At one point during the afternoon, the team paused to evaluate a minor injury on the tail of the final beluga. A veterinary team examined the wound and determined that the animal was fit for transport, though they added padding to the sling to ensure comfort and stability during transit. The decision to proceed reflected the high standards of care maintained throughout the relocation process. By late evening, the convoy departed under police escort, carrying the six whales toward the airport. Their names include Zephyr and Balor among the males, and Caspian, Pikachu, Secord, and Rain, also known as Spurlock, among the females. Andrew Burns, Marineland’s adviser, described the ongoing operations as proceeding “exceptionally well.” He noted that the animals had adjusted smoothly to their new environments and that the logistical challenges had been overcome with precision. “All the animals are safely in their new homes,” he stated, emphasizing that the operation was becoming increasingly efficient. With this latest transfer, the number of whales remaining at Marineland has dropped to 11, representing a “major milestone” in the relocation effort. Burns also mentioned that three additional moves are scheduled, including a planned nighttime flight to Spain for dolphins and two belugas, underscoring the scale and urgency of the operation. Marineland, once a popular tourist destination, has struggled financially since its closure. The park’s ownership has sought to sell its extensive property and facilities, but the continued need to care for the whales has made such plans difficult to realize. Tom Western, a retired Marineland employee who spent 40 years working at the facility, expressed personal satisfaction with the progress. “Marineland’s a big part of my life,” he said, reflecting on his long career and the emotional weight of seeing the whales depart. He described the transition as an honor, noting that the animals would be in capable hands with the organizations overseeing the relocation. Prior to the recent wave of transfers, Marineland housed 30 belugas and four dolphins, making it the last site in Canada to maintain captive cetaceans. The first phase of the relocation occurred on July 20, when six belugas were sent to Shedd Aquarium and SeaWorld in San Antonio. Subsequent transfers brought another seven belugas to San Antonio, bringing the total number of relocated whales to 13. This latest movement brings the count to 19, leaving only 11 behind. The entire operation, which Marineland has characterized as “unprecedented,” represents the last opportunity for these animals to find suitable habitats outside of the park’s struggling infrastructure. Earlier this year, Marineland attempted to sell all 30 belugas to a Chinese aquarium, but the deal was rejected by Canada’s fisheries minister, citing concerns over animal welfare. That setback led to the current plan of relocating the whales to U.S. institutions, which have demonstrated greater capacity and commitment to long-term care. The ongoing transfers continue to draw attention from conservationists, animal rights advocates, and the general public, as the fate of these marine mammals becomes increasingly dependent on the success of this complex and ambitious relocation effort.