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 on Thursday morning. These four female belugas will soon be joining four other belugas that were previously transferred to the aquarium from Marineland back in July.
Specialized workers at Marineland guided the six belugas into a custom sling one by one before lifting them into tanks on Wednesday. The whales were then taken by police to Toronto’s Pearson airport, where the two male belugas flew to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, while the female belugas were transported to Chicago.
The female belugas are currently settling into their new environment at Shedd’s 11.3-million liter Abbott Oceanarium, away from public view. The aquarium stated that they are closely monitoring the whales’ adjustment process, focusing on individual behaviors and progress.
The new arrivals at the Shedd Aquarium include Caspian, a 27-year-old beluga with a vibrant personality; Peekachu, a 23-year-old energetic and confident beluga with a non-functioning right eye; Rain, a 20-year-old beluga with a unique forehead; and Secord, a 22-year-old beluga known for her long upper jaw and playful behavior with enrichment items.
These belugas will soon reunite with the other four belugas from Marineland at Shedd, forming important social bonds. Belugas are known to thrive in close-knit groups, supporting each other as they navigate new environments and interact with caretakers.
The Shedd Aquarium’s animal care team is closely monitoring the eight belugas, ensuring their food intake and breathing patterns are normal. Early reports indicate that the belugas are adapting well to their new surroundings.
Shedd has expressed its commitment to rescuing up to two more belugas from Marineland, which closed its doors to the public in 2024 due to financial constraints. Before the recent transfers, Marineland housed 30 belugas and four dolphins, the last captive marine mammals in Canada.
The ongoing relocation operation, described as “unprecedented” by Marineland, is crucial for the survival of these belugas. The park had initially planned to sell the belugas to a Chinese aquarium but faced opposition from the Canadian government. Subsequently, a consortium of American and Spanish aquariums facilitated the current series of moves to ensure the welfare of the belugas.
If the belugas are not relocated, Marineland has stated that euthanasia may be considered. Following the recent move, 11 belugas and four dolphins remain at Marineland, with plans to relocate all the whales by the end of the month.
Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson praised the successful relocation of the belugas to Shedd Aquarium and Georgia Aquarium, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of various organizations involved in the rescue operation.