One of the largest marine mammal rescues ever is underway in Canada, as experts begin relocating 30 beluga whales from the currently closed Canadian Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
The ambitious mission follows fears that the whales could eventually face euthanasia after funding for their care dwindled following the park’s closure in 2024. The first six whales have already been transferred to accredited aquariums in the US after undergoing extensive veterinary assessments. Marine mammal specialists, veterinarians and caregivers are overseeing every stage of the process, which is expected to last several weeks before all 30 whales can be safely transported to new long-term homes.
Why are the 30 beluga whales transported to Canada?
The rescue stems from Marineland Canada closing in September 2024 after years of controversy over animal welfare allegations, legal challenges and declining visitor numbers. Although donations initially covered the care of the remaining whales, that money eventually ran out. In October 2025, Marineland requested financial assistance from the Canadian government, warning that it could no longer afford to feed and care for the marine mammals.
Animal welfare advocates fear the whales could eventually face euthanasia if a permanent solution is not found, prompting an international rescue effort.
How the historic rescue mission unfolds
The relocation process began with six beluga whales leaving Marineland for their new homes in the United States. Before traveling, each whale underwent detailed health checks to ensure it was fit for transport. The belugas were lifted using specially designed support ropes before being placed inside specially designed cold water transport containers.
They were then transported by truck to Toronto Pearson International Airport and transferred on board a Qatar Airways Boeing 777 cargo plane under constant veterinary supervision.
Each stage of transportation is supervised by aquatic veterinarians, trained marine mammal trainers and animal care specialists. Officials said the whales are never left unattended during transport, with their caretakers constantly monitoring their breathing, hydration, stress levels and general health.
Some caretakers even traveled alongside the whales within the specialized transport area to ensure immediate assistance if needed.
Experts described the animals as being in excellent health before departure, despite their uncertain future in Marineland.
Which aquariums will accept rescued beluga whales?
The first six beluga whales arrived safely at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and SeaWorld San Antonio in Texas. The remaining 24 whales will be gradually moved to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, SeaWorld San Diego in California, and Oceanographic Valencia in Spain over the coming months.
Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut also supports the operation by providing veterinary expertise and logistical assistance throughout the rescue.Veterinarians say that the period immediately after their arrival is the most important for the whales’ recovery and adaptation. Care teams are closely monitoring whether the beluga whales begin to eat normally, explore their new surroundings, and talk and interact with other whales.
These behaviors are key indicators that animals are successfully adapting to their new environments. Additional medical care and nutritional support will be provided whenever necessary during the transitional period.
Belugas are transported with their social groups
Beluga whales are very social animals and form strong family bonds. To reduce stress, marine biologists carefully studied the relationships between the whales before deciding how to move them.
Rather than separating individuals, rescue teams organized relocations so that established social groups could stay together, increasing the likelihood that the whales would successfully adapt to their new homes.
Emergency permits paved the way for the rescue
The rescue operation requires approval from authorities in both Canada and the United States. Earlier this month, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued an emergency permit allowing the whales to be transported into the country.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada also supported the relocation plan, while Marineland sought help from the Association of Accredited Aquariums after realizing it could no longer provide long-term care for the animals.
One of the most complex marine mammal translocations ever undertaken
Transporting beluga whales presents an enormous logistical challenge because adult animals can reach 16 feet in length and weigh several thousand pounds. The operation required months of planning involving veterinarians, transportation and airline specialists, and marine mammal experts.
Every phase of the journey, from lifting whales to transport ropes to maintaining water temperature and monitoring vital signs during flights, has been carefully designed to minimize stress and maximize animal safety.
What happens next to the rescued whales?
The relocation of the remaining 24 beluga whales will continue in carefully planned phases over the coming weeks and months, depending on weather conditions, veterinary approvals and aircraft availability. Once the whales stabilize, they will join existing beluga whale populations in their new facilities, where they will receive ongoing veterinary care, behavioral monitoring and enrichment. Conservationists say the relocation provides the animals with a stable future after the uncertainty that followed the closure of Marineland Canada and represents one of the most important international marine mammal rescue efforts ever.