Animal rescuers commenced a significant operation Monday to relocate nearly three dozen beluga whales from a defunct Canadian theme park to new habitats in the United States. The mission, which began at Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, involves moving the whales to aquariums in Chicago, Illinois, and San Antonio, Texas.
Photos from Marineland show workers using massive slings attached to heavy-duty cranes to lift the beluga whales, some of which can weigh up to 3,500 pounds, out of their enclosures. One whale, identified as Sierra, was seen being hoisted by a crane and subsequently transported by truck.
Sierra, along with belugas Acadia, Osiris, and Lilooet, is slated to arrive at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. Belugas Bertie Botts and Frankie will be transported to SeaWorld in San Antonio.
Canadian officials confirmed that the relocation efforts for all thirty whales began Monday. Canadian Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson stated, "The first wave of the rescue mission at Marineland is underway."
Marineland ceased operations following the deaths of its owners, John Holer and Marie Holer, in 2024. While staff continued to care for the animals, the whales' future remained uncertain, with the possibility of euthanasia if suitable homes could not be secured. Agreements with US and Spanish authorities were reached last month to facilitate the whales' move and ensure their survival.