Earlier in the month, a plan was approved by the federal government that could see the 30 beluga whales currently residing at the closed Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ont., being relocated to new facilities abroad.

Due to a 2019 law in Canada prohibiting the keeping of whales, dolphins, and porpoises for breeding or entertainment purposes, the belugas are anticipated to be divided among an aquarium in Spain and four others in the United States.

The logistics of transporting these large aquatic mammals, which can reach lengths of up to 4.5 meters and weigh up to 1,900 kilograms, pose a significant challenge. While specific details from the receiving aquariums overseeing the rescue operation are still pending, insights from experts experienced in whale transportation shed light on the process.

Here is a comprehensive guide to the step-by-step procedure:

Step 1: The administrative groundwork and readiness

Although belugas do not require passports, the team handling their transfer would need permits from both the Canadian government and the recipient countries. Decisions on the destination of each whale would be influenced by their individual characteristics and personalities, in addition to undergoing necessary medical assessments and health checks before embarking on the journey.

Step 2: Thorough training and preparation

Trainers typically invest months in acclimating the belugas to the equipment used for their transportation process. Custom-made slings and stretchers are employed to lift the belugas from their tanks, with trainers encouraging them to explore and eventually enter the sling before rewarding them. This process, tailored to each whale’s temperament, can take a couple of months.

Step 3: Safely lifting belugas out of the tank

On the day of travel, the belugas would be hoisted out of the tank using slings and transferred into specialized transport crates equipped with stretchers. These crates must provide ample space for the animals to move comfortably, with appropriate water levels to submerge them effectively but prevent excessive sloshing. Padding in the crate is essential to minimize external noise that could distress the whales.

Step 3: Boarding the transport

The transport crate would be transported by truck to a cargo plane, accompanied by a team of trainers and veterinarians. Throughout the flight, the belugas’ breathing would be closely monitored to ensure their well-being, with potential reassurance provided to keep them calm. Pilots might fly at lower altitudes to mimic the belugas’ natural habitat conditions and enhance their comfort during the journey.

Step 4: Arrival at the new destination

Upon reaching their destination, the belugas would be lifted once again from the transport crates into the new aquarium using slings and cranes. Subsequently, the animals would undergo quarantine measures to verify their health status and prevent the spread of diseases. Trainers may stay on-site to share their insights and knowledge of the belugas with the new caretakers.

Why not release the belugas into the ocean?

Returning belugas to their native waters, particularly those originating from Russia, poses significant geopolitical challenges. Releasing the Marineland belugas into the wild was deemed inhumane due to their lack of hunting skills and integration into the local beluga population, as many were born into captivity and rely on social bonds for survival.