Four out of the six beluga whales that were transported from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, on Wednesday have safely reached the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago by Thursday morning. These four female belugas will soon be joining four other belugas that were previously relocated to the aquarium from Marineland in July during the initial whale transfers.
A specialized team at the closed tourist attraction in Niagara facilitated the transfer of the six belugas into a custom sling one by one before lifting them into tanks on Wednesday. The whales were then accompanied by authorities to Toronto’s Pearson airport. Subsequently, the two male belugas were flown to Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, while the female belugas were transported to Chicago.
The female belugas are currently residing in Shedd’s 11.3-million litre Abbott Oceanarium, where they are being kept away from public view as they acclimate to their new environment, as mentioned in a news release by the aquarium on Thursday. The director of animal behavior and training, Charlie Jacobsma, emphasized the importance of a gradual transition for the whales, focusing on observing each whale’s individual traits, progress, and personality during this period.
The recent arrivals include Caspian, a 27-year-old beluga known for his “big personality”; Peekachu, a 23-year-old energetic and confident beluga with a non-functioning right eye; Rain, a 20-year-old beluga with a distinct forehead feature; and Secord, a 22-year-old beluga recognized for her long upper jaw and affinity for pushing enrichment items around.
In the near future, these new belugas will be reunited with the other four belugas from Marineland – Acadia, Osiris, Sierra, and Lillooet – with whom they share strong social connections, according to Shedd. Belugas are social creatures and tend to live in large groups, swimming, hunting, and socializing together closely. Jacobsma highlighted the significance of having familiar whales nearby to boost the confidence of the new arrivals as they adjust to their new surroundings.
The animal care team at the aquarium is closely monitoring the eight belugas, ensuring their food intake and breathing patterns are normal. Initial reports suggest that the relocation process is progressing smoothly, as stated by Shedd.
Shedd has committed to relocating up to two more belugas from Marineland, whose financial troubles led to the decision to transfer the whales. Marineland, which ceased public operations in 2024 and is currently up for sale, indicated an inability to sustain the welfare of the whales in its care. Prior to the recent transfers, Marineland housed 30 belugas and four dolphins, the last captive marine mammals in Canada.
The ongoing operation to relocate the belugas has been described as “unprecedented” by Marineland, emphasizing the crucial nature of the transfers for the whales’ survival. In response to financial challenges and regulatory hurdles, Marineland explored various options for the fate of the animals, leading to the current series of moves to American and Spanish aquariums.
If the remaining belugas and dolphins at Marineland are not relocated, the park has stated that euthanasia may be considered. Following the recent transfer, 11 belugas and four dolphins are still at Marineland, with plans to have all the whales relocated by the end of the month.
Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson acknowledged the safe transfer of belugas to Shedd Aquarium and Georgia Aquarium, thanking the involved parties for their efforts in facilitating the rescue operation.