Rescue Operation Underway for Marineland Belugas
Aquariums in the United States and Spain are rescuing 30 beluga whales stranded at the shuttered Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The Georgia Aquarium confirmed the operation on July 8, stating that without this rescue, the whales' future was unknown. The move follows months of uncertainty after Marineland threatened to euthanize the animals.
Twenty-eight belugas will be transported to four U.S. facilities, while two will be sent to a facility in Spain. Specifically, 13 belugas are heading to SeaWorld San Antonio, three to SeaWorld San Diego, 10 to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, and two to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.
Complex International Effort
SeaWorld described the operation as a major international rescue effort involving multiple governments, veterinary teams, animal care specialists, and accredited marine life facilities. In the coming days, care teams will assess the whales' health and prepare them for travel. Once veterinarians clear the animals, aquarium experts will accompany them to their new homes.
The Georgia Aquarium noted that they have received government authorization to bring the whales to U.S. aquariums. The rescue comes after Marineland stated it could no longer support the animals financially and might euthanize the belugas and four dolphins unless export permits were approved or care was funded.
Government Approval and Background
Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson met with Marineland officials in January to discuss the proposed move. She provided conditional approval for export permits on January 26, pending final information. Marineland expressed gratitude to the minister and the Canadian government for prioritizing the lives of the marine mammals.
Marineland operated from 1961 until 2024, known for marine animal shows and amusement rides but also facing criticism and legal battles over animal treatment. There is no update on the situation with the four dolphins still at the facility.
