Marineland initiates the relocation of a third group of whales to aquariums outside of Canada. At the dormant tourist site in Niagara Falls, Ont., a specialized team is meticulously transferring six beluga whales, individually secured in a custom sling, into tanks. Following this, a convoy escorted by police will transport the two male and four female whales to Toronto’s Pearson airport. From there, they will be loaded onto a plane bound for Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.

The closure of Marineland to the public in 2024 has prompted the park, now up for sale, to face financial constraints that hinder its ability to care for the whales. Before the recent relocation, the park housed the last remaining captive whales and dolphins in Canada, a total of 30 belugas and four dolphins. The previous transfers saw six belugas moved to Shedd and SeaWorld in San Antonio on July 20, followed by an additional seven belugas to the San Antonio facility weeks later.

This intricate operation, termed “unprecedented” by Marineland, is crucial for the survival of these whales. Originally planning to sell all 30 belugas to a Chinese aquarium, the park’s proposal was rejected by the fisheries minister for not being in the animals’ best interest. In response, Marineland threatened euthanasia if emergency funding from the federal government was not received, garnering international attention. Subsequently, a new agreement involving American and Spanish aquariums facilitated the ongoing series of transfers.

Further destinations for Marineland’s whales and dolphins include SeaWorld in San Diego and Oceanografic Valencia in Spain. Failure to complete the relocation process will result in euthanasia for the remaining 11 belugas and four dolphins. Marineland aims to have all the whales relocated by the end of the month to ensure their well-being.