Europe’s largest aquatic facility may soon welcome some of the 30 beluga whales currently residing at Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada recently approved a rescue initiative that aims to relocate all remaining belugas to Oceanogràfic València in Spain or various locations in the United States, including Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, and two SeaWorld establishments in San Diego, California, and San Antonio, Texas.
The belugas have faced the possibility of euthanasia since last autumn when Marineland’s proposal to send them to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China was turned down by the Canadian government. The closure of the theme park and zoo in 2024 following the passing of owners John Holer and Marie Holer prompted staff to continue caring for the remaining animals.
Johnny Ford, a vice president at Shedd Aquarium, representing the consortium of accredited aquariums, mentioned that there is no set timeline for the rescue but that the facilities are prepared to act swiftly. Medical assessments by Canadian veterinarians to ensure the whales’ fitness for travel and securing necessary import permits from the U.S. and Spanish authorities are still pending.
Final approval from the federal government in the form of export permits is also required, with a statement from Erik Nosaluk of the Office of the Minister of Fisheries indicating that this authorization will be granted closer to the transport date following comprehensive health evaluations of the animals.
Oceanogràfic València has a history of successful beluga rescues, having previously relocated two belugas from Ukraine amid conflict. The Spanish facility, along with Georgia Aquarium and SeaWorld, orchestrated a meticulous operation that involved transporting the belugas by truck to Moldova and then airlifting them to València. Ford emphasized that the current rescue mission for the Marineland belugas is in capable hands with experienced professionals handling the logistics.