Four out of the six beluga whales transferred from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, made it safely to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago on Thursday morning. These four female belugas will soon join four other belugas that were relocated to the aquarium from Marineland back in July during the initial phase of the whale transfers.
At the closed tourist attraction in Niagara, a team of specialized workers carefully guided the six belugas into a custom sling one by one before lifting them into tanks on Wednesday. Subsequently, the whales were accompanied by authorities to Toronto’s Pearson airport. While the two male belugas were flown to Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, the female belugas were transported to Chicago.
The female belugas are now settling into Shedd’s Abbott Oceanarium, a massive 11.3-million litre tank, away from public view as they acclimate to their new environment. Charlie Jacobsma, the director of animal behavior and training at Shedd, emphasized a cautious approach during this significant transition, stating, “We are proceeding step by step, closely monitoring the whales’ adjustment to their new surroundings.”
The recent additions to Shedd’s beluga family include Caspian, a 27-year-old 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 distinctive forehead; and Secord, a 22-year-old beluga known for her long upper jaw and playful behavior with enrichment items.
These newly arrived belugas will soon be reunited with the other four belugas from Marineland — Acadia, Osiris, Sierra, and Lillooet — with whom they share strong social bonds, as belugas typically thrive in close-knit groups where they swim, hunt, and socialize together.
The dedicated animal care team at Shedd will closely monitor the eight belugas, ensuring they are eating properly and surfacing regularly for air. Early reports indicate that the transition is progressing smoothly, according to Shedd.
Shedd has pledged to rescue up to two additional belugas from Marineland, which has ceased public operations in 2024, citing financial constraints and an inability to adequately care for the whales. Prior to the recent transfers, Marineland housed 30 belugas and four dolphins, the last captive marine mammals in Canada.
The ongoing relocation efforts are crucial for the belugas’ survival, given Marineland’s inability to sustain their care. The park’s original plan to sell all 30 belugas to a Chinese aquarium was halted by government intervention, leading to a new agreement involving American and Spanish aquariums to facilitate the transfers.
In the event that the remaining belugas are not moved, Marineland has indicated that euthanasia may be necessary. Currently, 11 belugas and four dolphins remain at Marineland, with plans to have all whales relocated by the end of the month.
Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson acknowledged the successful transfer of the belugas to Shedd and Georgia Aquarium, thanking various organizations and facilities for their collaborative efforts in the rescue mission.