30 Beluga Whales Dramatically Rescued After Two Years Trapped in Shuttered Theme Park

Left in the Facility for Two Years After Closure
Rescue Delayed After Chinese Export Blocked
Relocated to Aquariums in the United States and Spain

More than 30 beluga whales, which were trapped and at risk of euthanasia at a Canadian theme park that closed due to financial difficulties, have been dramatically rescued and will be transferred to aquariums in the United States and Spain.

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Closure Due to Financial Struggles and Animal Abuse Controversy... Euthanasia Crisis as Transfer to China Blocked

According to reports from the New York Post and others on July 12 (local time), the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) last week gave final approval for an emergency transfer plan to rescue the beluga whales remaining at 'Marineland', a shuttered theme park near Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.

Previously, Marineland closed its doors in 2024 after facing severe financial problems compounded by allegations of animal abuse and poor management. Even after the park’s closure, 30 beluga whales were left behind in the facility, unable to find a new refuge.

According to Canadian media outlet CBC, 20 whales have died at the park since 2019. In October of last year, Marineland officials urged the government to take action, stating, “If whale transfers are not approved, we would have no choice but to consider euthanasia.”

About eight months ago, there was an attempt to send the belugas to an aquarium in China, but the plan fell through. This was because, under legislation enacted by the Canadian government in 2019 banning the captivity of whales and dolphins for performance or commercial purposes, the government refused to authorize the export to China.

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Dramatically Rescued Belugas to Be Distributed to 5 Aquariums in the U.S. and Spain

After much difficulty, a consortium of U.S. aquariums took charge of the rescue and transfer mission. A spokesperson for the leading consortium stated, “The preparations and the transfer itself will take several weeks,” and emphasized, “The safety and wellbeing of the animals will be our top priority.”

According to the plan, the beluga whales will be divided among five approved aquariums. Of these, 28 will be transferred to four U.S. institutions: Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta), Shedd Aquarium (Chicago), and two SeaWorld locations (San Antonio and San Diego). The remaining two belugas will be sent to Oceanogràfic Aquarium in Valencia, Spain.

The transfer will begin as soon as Canadian veterinarians give their final clearance. Specialist caretakers and medical staff from the U.S. aquariums are scheduled to arrive at Marineland soon to assess the whales’ health and provide comprehensive relocation preparation.

The consortium added, “Upon arrival at their new homes, individualized nutrition, high-quality water environments, and continuous veterinary care will be provided for each animal.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.