Beluga whales relocated from closed Canadian marine park arrive in US

July 22, 2026

Six beluga whales have been successfully transferred from Marineland of Canada to aquarium facilities in the United States as part of a major relocation initiative. The marine mammals are among a group of 30 belugas that require new homes after the Canadian facility closed and became unable to provide proper care. Four whales were transported to a Chicago aquarium while two others went to SeaWorld in San Antonio, Texas, traveling in specialized temperature-controlled containers with veterinary supervision throughout.

Who is affected

Six beluga whales (Sierra, Acadia, Osiris, Lillooet, Bertie Botts, and Frankie)
A remaining pod of 24 belugas still at Marineland of Canada
Marineland of Canada facility
Chicago aquarium facility
SeaWorld San Antonio, Texas
Marine mammal veterinarians and specialist teams

What action is being taken

Specialist teams are monitoring the six relocated whales as they settle into their new homes
Marine mammal veterinarians are accompanying and overseeing the animals during the transition

Why it matters

This relocation represents an unprecedented international effort to ensure proper care for marine mammals when their original facility can no longer provide adequate support. The successful transfer of these six whales demonstrates the feasibility of large-scale marine mammal relocations and addresses the urgent need to rehome the remaining 24 belugas from the closed Canadian facility.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC