The first rescued beluga whales from a shuttered Canadian marine park have safely arrived at SeaWorld San Antonio as part of an international effort to relocate 30 whales from the struggling facility.

Rescue Effort

SeaWorld announced Tuesday that the first group of rescued whales from Marineland of Canada had completed the journey after traveling by truck and plane in specialized cold-water transport containers. Aquatic medicine specialists, veterinarians and animal care staff accompanied the whales throughout the trip, at times remaining in the water alongside the animals to monitor their condition.

According to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, six beluga whales were included in the first relocation effort. Four — Sierra, Acadia, Osiris and Lillooet — were transported to Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, while two — Bertie Botts and Frankie — were sent to SeaWorld San Antonio.

“This was a herculean effort and one that will continue over the coming weeks,” SeaWorld said in a statement. “We are so proud to partner with this collective group of AZA-accredited aquariums and dedicated animal care professionals … who have come together with one mission: rescuing these belugas and providing them a home and exceptional care.”

Background

The transfer marks the first phase of a broader rescue operation expected to relocate up to 30 beluga whales from Marineland, a Niagara Falls, Ontario, marine park that closed in 2024 and is no longer able to provide long-term care for the animals, according to officials overseeing the rescue.

Beluga whales are Arctic marine mammals known for their distinctive white coloring, rounded foreheads and highly social behavior. They are among the most vocal whale species and are capable of learning complex sounds and behaviors while under human care.

Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.