Beluga Whales to Leave Abandoned Marineland After Emergency Rescue Plan Wins Approval
Thirty beluga whales that remained at the closed Marineland theme park in Niagara Falls, Ontario, are finally set to begin a long-awaited relocation after an emergency rescue plan received approval. The move comes nearly two years after the park stopped operating, allowing the animals to be transferred to accredited facilities where they will receive continued care.
The beluga whales had stayed at the former marine park since Marineland closed in 2024. Their future had remained uncertain for an extended period, with concerns growing over what would happen to the animals. According to the information released, the whales were facing the possibility of euthanasia before an emergency rescue plan was approved by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) last week.
The approved plan will relocate most of the whales to five aquariums in the United States. The receiving facilities include Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, SeaWorld San Diego, and SeaWorld San Antonio. In addition, two of the beluga whales will be transferred to Oceanogràfic València in Spain.
Officials say the relocation will not happen all at once. Instead, the operation will take place over several weeks to ensure each animal is transported safely. Before any whale begins its journey, Canadian veterinarians will examine and clear the animals for travel. Aquarium specialists will accompany the whales during transportation and oversee their arrival at their new facilities.
NOAA said the health and welfare of the belugas remain the highest priority throughout the rescue effort. Once the whales reach their new homes, they will receive species-appropriate diets, carefully managed aquatic environments with monitored water quality, and access to veterinary care whenever needed.
The relocation marks an important step in resolving the uncertainty surrounding the whales after Marineland ceased operations. The park closed to visitors in 2024 following financial difficulties and accusations related to animal care. Those issues placed increased attention on the future of the marine mammals that remained at the property.
Records cited in the reported information also indicate that twenty whales died at Marineland between 2019 and 2024, adding to public concern over the condition of the animals still living at the facility.
With the emergency plan now approved, the remaining beluga whales are expected to begin moving to their new homes under the supervision of veterinary teams and marine mammal experts. The transfers are designed to provide the animals with long-term care in facilities prepared to meet their medical, nutritional, and environmental needs.
Sources
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- CBC NewsNew York Post
