Another six whales being moved out of Marineland, headed to U.S. aquariums

Marineland has commenced transferring a third group of six beluga whales to aquariums outside of Canada, with the goal of providing them with a better chance at survival. The specialized team at the now-closed tourist attraction in Niagara Falls, Ontario, carefully lifts each whale into a sling before transporting them to their new homes.

The whales, comprising two males and four females, will be flown to two U.S. aquariums: Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. Their journey begins with a police-escorted convoy driving them to Toronto's Pearson airport, where they are loaded onto a plane.

Marineland, which closed its doors to the public in 2024, is currently running out of funds and cannot sustainably care for the remaining whales. The park had previously attempted to sell all 30 belugas to an aquarium in China, but the sale was blocked by the fisheries minister due to concerns about the welfare of the animals. In response, Marineland threatened to euthanize the whales if it did not receive emergency funding from the federal government, a threat that garnered international attention.

However, a consortium of American and Spanish aquariums ultimately stepped in and facilitated the current series of whale transfers. Other aquariums, including SeaWorld in San Diego and Oceanografic Valencia in Spain, are also expected to receive some of Marineland's whales or dolphins. If the whales are not moved, they will be euthanized.

As of Wednesday's move, 11 belugas and four dolphins remain at Marineland, with the park expressing the hope that all the whales will be relocated by the end of the month.