An emergency operation has been launched to relocate the beluga whales trapped at Marineland , the Canadian theme park in Niagara Falls that closed in 2024. The situation had become untenable: without funds to care for the animals, euthanasia seemed the only option. Now, a consortium of accredited aquariums, with the support of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Canadian government, has put together a rescue plan that includes relocating two beluga whales to Europe.
Beluga whales, which can grow to over 4,5 meters in length and weigh up to 1.900 kilograms, require very specific care that Marineland could no longer provide. Canadian Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson confirmed the start of the relocation efforts and thanked the veterinarians and organizations involved. The convoy of transport trucks, cranes, and escort vehicles has already been seen heading from Niagara Falls toward Toronto's Pearson Airport, according to CBC News.
A plan that crosses the Atlantic
Most of the 30 beluga whales will be distributed among four US facilities : the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, SeaWorld San Diego, and SeaWorld San Antonio. However, the most significant news for European audiences is that two of the cetaceans, identified as Bertie Botts and Frankie, are destined for the Oceanogràfic in Valencia , the largest aquarium in Europe. This transfer, however, is subject to final approval by Spanish authorities, according to a joint statement from the participating aquariums.
The Oceanogràfic already has experience caring for belugas and conducts research programs on their behavior and communication , making it an ideal destination for animals that have spent years in a degraded environment. The transatlantic operation will require import permits under the CITES Convention, containers with temperature-controlled water, and veterinary monitoring throughout the flight.
Conditions and controversy at Marineland
The Canadian park has been criticized for years for its treatment of animals . According to the Canadian Press, at least 20 whales have died at Marineland since 2019. In 2019, Canada passed a law ending the captivity of whales and dolphins, which accelerated the park's decline. Following the deaths of its owners, John and Marie Holer, the park closed permanently, leaving the animals in critical condition.
The agreement with NOAA includes special conditions for the public display of the relocated belugas . According to the document, any display must include an educational component about the species' status and the threats it faces. Furthermore, the belugas cannot be trained for shows or included in interactive programs with the public unless expressly authorized by NOAA. This represents a significant shift from the traditional business model of parks like SeaWorld.
Canadian veterinarians must perform medical examinations on each animal before authorizing travel to ensure their health allows them to withstand the journey. Once approved, aquarium experts will accompany the belugas to their new homes, where they will receive a varied diet, high-quality environments, and ongoing medical care.
The operation was made possible through collaboration between NOAA, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and a consortium of aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) . NOAA authorized the emergency import in July, determining that the belugas require care they cannot receive in Canada, where no other facilities exist with the capacity to house them. The rescue plan, which began this week, will continue for several weeks until all the belugas have been relocated.