Europe’s largest aquarium is set to become a possible new home for some of the 30 beluga whales still residing at Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada recently approved a rescue plan that involves relocating all remaining whales to Oceanogràfic València in Spain or to four different locations in the United States: Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, and two SeaWorld facilities in San Diego, California, and San Antonio, Texas.
The beluga whales have been facing the threat of euthanasia since last autumn when Marineland’s attempt to export them to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China was rejected by the federal government. Following the deaths of Marineland’s owners, John and Marie Holer, in 2024, the theme park and zoo closed to the public, but staff have continued to care for the animals.
According to Johnny Ford, a vice president at Shedd Aquarium, which is part of the group of accredited aquariums involved in the rescue effort, there is no specific timeline for the operation, but they are ready to act within weeks. However, certain hurdles remain, including medical evaluations by Canadian veterinarians to ensure the whales are fit for travel, as well as obtaining necessary import permits from the U.S. and Spanish governments.
Final approval from the federal government in the form of export permits is also required. These permits can be granted under the Fisheries Act if it is deemed in the best interest of the whales to leave the country. The Department of Fisheries is collaborating with Canada Border Services Agency and Health Canada to ensure a safe and timely transfer of the beluga whales.
Oceanogràfic València previously rescued two belugas from Ukraine in June 2024, showing their experience in cross-border whale relocation. The successful evacuation involved moving a 15-year-old male named Plombir and a 14-year-old female named Miranda from Kharkiv, Ukraine, to València, Spain, amid wartime conditions. Georgia Aquarium and SeaWorld were part of the intricate rescue mission, which included transporting the belugas by truck to Moldova and then by plane to València.
Ford emphasized that the collective of aquariums has extensive experience in safely transporting belugas over long distances and is meticulously planning the logistics for the Marineland rescue, assuring that the process will be handled with expertise and care.