Beluga Whales Leave Shuttered Marineland After Two-Year Wait

The US and Canadian governments approved the transfer of 30 beluga whales that have been stranded for two years at the closed Marineland theme park in Ontario, Canada. Marineland, located near Niagara Falls, could no longer afford to care for the whales and previously faced the possibility of euthanizing them.

Permits were required due to the beluga whale being listed under the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species. Twenty-eight of the whales will be moved to four American aquariums.

Georgia Aquarium, Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, and two SeaWorld facilities in San Diego and San Antonio, while the remaining two are awaiting permits to relocate to Oceanogràfic València in Spain. Veterinarians must now clear the whales for travel, after which a specialized transportation plan will be finalized. Aquariums have pledged to provide high-quality care, diverse diets, and medical attention.