Seven additional whales are being relocated from Marineland to a new aquarium in the United States. Marineland has initiated the second phase of its whale transfer plan, following the successful transfer of six belugas to Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and SeaWorld in San Antonio.
The seven female belugas, Xena, Gemini, Skyla, Meeka, Eve, Neva, and Calypso, are now en route to SeaWorld San Antonio. SeaWorld San Antonio confirmed the arrival of the rescued beluga whales after a nearly 2,000-mile journey, as part of an international effort to relocate 30 belugas from a defunct marine park in Canada.
Steve Aibel, Vice President of Animals and Conservation at SeaWorld San Antonio, expressed satisfaction with the smooth transportation and completion of the second phase of the rescue operation. The belugas are currently under veterinary care, receiving proper nutrition, and adjusting to their new environment in a secluded area away from the public eye.
The relocation process, which involves specialized slings, a dedicated team, and global cooperation, has been described as unprecedented by one of Marineland’s advisors. Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson expressed gratitude to the involved organizations and individuals for their efforts in facilitating the rescue mission.
Marineland, which has been closed to the public since 2024, cited financial constraints as the reason for the relocation of the whales. The park’s initial attempt to send the belugas and dolphins to an aquarium in China was thwarted, leading to the current relocation plan with US and Spanish aquariums.
The ministry disclosed that Marineland has applied to export the dolphins to an undisclosed location, pending veterinary assessments similar to those conducted for the belugas. The park faced backlash when it threatened to euthanize its belugas due to lack of emergency funding before reaching an agreement with a consortium of aquariums for the whales’ relocation.
The first set of whales was successfully moved on July 20. Prior to the relocation, Marineland housed 30 belugas and four dolphins, making it home to the largest captive beluga population globally and Canada’s remaining captive whales and dolphins.