The long-awaited rescue plan for Marineland's beluga whales is underway, with the first six whales being relocated to aquariums in the U.S. and Spain.
The whales were initially under the threat of euthanasia at the defunct Niagara Falls, Ont., theme park due to dwindling funds to care for them. However, a consortium of accredited aquariums has led the rescue operation, and the whales will be shared among various aquariums in the U.S. and Spain.
The relocation process is a complicated one, requiring special equipment and a large team of workers. The whales can grow up to 14 feet or more and weigh up to 3,500 lbs., making their transport a significant challenge.
A total of 30 whales are expected to be relocated over the next few weeks. The operation is being closely monitored, with aquarium experts accompanying the animals to their new homes to ensure their transition is smooth.
The whales will be met with diverse seafood to meet their nutritional needs, high-quality environments with guaranteed water quality, and onsite medical care should they require it at any time.
Marineland closed following the deaths of its owners in 2024, and the park's request to export the whales to China's Chimelong Ocean Kingdom was denied due to concerns about animal welfare.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada backed a plan to split the whales among accredited aquariums in the U.S. and Spain, providing a lifeline for the marine mammals.
Marineland has a dark legacy, with animal rights groups condemning the park for decades due to allegations of animal cruelty, poor water quality, and mistreatment of its marine mammals.
Twenty whales have died at Marineland since 2019, along with other marine animals, leading to widespread criticism of the park's treatment of its animals.
