The initial group of beluga whales from Marineland, the now-defunct theme park and zoo located in Niagara Falls, Ontario, has commenced its relocation to new facilities in the United States.
The transfer, which started on Monday, involves six belugas, with plans to potentially rehome up to 30 of the remaining whales from the closed park to various U.S. aquariums in the coming weeks.
A statement released by the office of Canadian Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson confirmed that the relocation efforts have officially begun.
“The first phase of the rescue initiative at Marineland is in progress,” the statement noted. “This rescue operation is being coordinated by a group of accredited aquariums, which will provide updates as the situation evolves.”
Thompson expressed gratitude towards the veterinarians involved in the relocation process and to “all organizations collaborating to ensure the safe transport of the whales.”
Beluga whales can reach lengths of over 4.5 meters and weigh as much as 1,900 kilograms, making the operation quite intricate, requiring special hoists, cranes, multiple transport trucks, and a team of over twenty workers.
Years after Marineland closed to the public, the aquarium has started the process of relocating some beluga whales to facilities in the U.S. and Spain.
Earlier on Monday, CBC News reached out to Marineland; however, a spokesperson indicated they were “unable to confirm any specifics regarding the move at this moment.”
Johnny Ford, a representative for the group of U.S. aquariums participating in the rescue, confirmed via email that the whales would be transported on a single plane. Four of the belugas — Sierra, Acadia, Osiris, and Lillooet — are scheduled to arrive at a facility in Chicago, while Bertie Botts and Frankie are bound for SeaWorld in San Antonio, Texas.
On Monday evening, a caravan of transport trucks was spotted heading from Niagara Falls to Toronto Pearson Airport.
The emergency transfer of six beluga whales from Marineland in Niagara Falls to aquariums in the U.S. is now underway.
On Monday afternoon, a CBC reporter noticed four trucks from Paddock Transport International, two cranes from DeSantis Crane Service, and two escort vehicles entering the Marineland premises.
The Niagara Regional Police Service confirmed via email that they are “assisting with traffic management in support of the transportation.”
A CBC drone captured footage of workers in the waters of Marineland, with one beluga being lifted out using a special hoist.
Sierra, the Beluga whale, is transported onto a truck via a sling. (Carlos Osorio/The Canadian Press)
Whale relocation follows a lengthy procedure
The belugas have been under the threat of euthanasia since last autumn, when Marineland’s application to export them to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China was rejected by the federal government.
The Niagara Falls theme park and zoo ceased public operations in 2024 after the passing of owners John Holer and Marie Holer. Despite its closure, staff have continued caring for the remaining animals, though concerns arose regarding the park’s financial ability to sustain proper care for the whales.
Each whale is being carefully managed to ensure their safe removal from Marineland. (Patrick Morrell/CBC)
Last month, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) approved a strategy to separate all 30 remaining whales, relocating them to Oceanogràfic València in Spain or to one of four U.S. locations: Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, and two SeaWorld facilities in San Diego, California, and San Antonio, Texas.
However, a medical examination of each whale by Canadian veterinarians was still necessary to verify their health for travel.
Cranes and specialized hoists were utilized for the transportation of the animals. (Carlos Osorio/The Canadian Press)
Bound for accredited facilities
At the beginning of this month, the group of aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) involved in the relocation confirmed in a statement that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the U.S. had “authorized an emergency rescue for several whales at Marineland,” facilitating their transfer across the border.
The statement indicated that once the whales receive travel approval, “aquarium specialists will accompany the animals to their new locations, where they will be provided with a variety of seafood to fulfill their dietary requirements, high-quality habitats ensuring water quality, and on-site medical care if needed at any time.”
Additionally, final authorization from the Canadian government in the form of export permits was also required. According to the Fisheries Act, such permits may be granted if it serves the best interests of the whales to exit the country.
Images captured by a CBC drone on Monday depict the preparation of the belugas for removal from Marineland, showing workers cautiously extracting one of the whales from the water in preparation for its transport to the U.S. (Patrick Morrell/CBC)
