A massive rescue operation is underway for the captive beluga whales once housed at Marineland in Canada. Four belugas recently arrived at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, following an earlier group of four that arrived in July. These animals are part of a larger, coordinated international plan to relocate 30 whales and four dolphins from the now-closed theme park to secure facilities across the United States and Spain.
Marineland ceased public operations in late summer 2024 after listing the property for sale in 2023. This relocation mission addresses severe concerns regarding the welfare of the animals after the facility recorded 20 whale deaths since 2019. The rescue process is complex and unprecedented, requiring experts to monitor every detail of the transition to ensure the physical health of the marine mammals.
The whales travel in specialized, temperature-controlled containers and custom slings to minimize stress. Experts spent months reviewing years of health records from the Canadian site to prepare for the logistics of this move. Upon arrival, the animals undergo careful observation to track their food intake and interactions with existing whale populations at their new homes.
At the Shedd Aquarium, the new arrivals are currently housed with three other belugas. Staff report that the animals are beginning to interact through gates and display signs of social bonding. Veterinary teams watch the whales hour by hour, tracking behaviors such as relaxed swimming and overall mood. This relocation effort provides a safer path forward for these animals, marking the final chapter for the shuttered Canadian park.