Europe’s biggest aquarium may soon welcome 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 to relocate all remaining whales to Oceanogràfic València in Spain or one of four 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.
Since last fall, the belugas have been at risk of euthanasia after the government denied Marineland’s request to export them to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China. The closure of Marineland in 2024, following the deaths of owners John Holer and Marie Holer, led to the continued care of the remaining animals by the staff.
According to Johnny Ford, a vice president at Shedd Aquarium, there is no set timeline for the rescue operation, but the accredited aquariums are prepared to act within weeks. However, medical evaluations by Canadian veterinarians are still necessary to ensure the whales are healthy enough for travel. Additionally, obtaining import permits from the U.S. and Spanish governments and final approval from the Canadian government through export permits are crucial steps in the process.
Oceanogràfic València’s prior experience in rescuing belugas was highlighted, as they successfully evacuated two belugas from Ukraine during a conflict. The complex rescue mission involved collaboration between Georgia Aquarium, SeaWorld, and Oceanogràfic València, showcasing their expertise in safely transporting belugas over long distances.
The collective effort of accredited aquariums aims to ensure a safe and timely transfer of the belugas, with meticulous planning for the logistics of the rescue operation.
