Earlier this month, a plan approved by the federal government could see the 30 beluga whales housed at the now-closed Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ont., relocated internationally to new facilities. Due to a 2019 law prohibiting the keeping of whales, dolphins, and porpoises for breeding or entertainment in Canada, the belugas will be divided among an aquarium in Spain and four in the United States.
Transporting these large aquatic mammals, which can grow up to 4.5 meters and weigh up to 1,900 kilograms, poses a significant challenge. While specific details from the destination aquariums overseeing the rescue plan are pending, insights from experts familiar with whale transport shed light on the process.
Step 1 involves obtaining necessary permits from the Canadian government and recipient countries for the belugas’ relocation. Decisions on each animal’s destination will consider their personalities as assessed by trainers, along with veterinary health checks and assessments before travel.
Step 2 emphasizes the importance of trainers acclimating the belugas over several months to the equipment used for their transport, such as custom-made slings and stretchers. The animals are encouraged to explore and become comfortable with the equipment before the actual moving day.
During Step 3, the belugas are lifted out of their tanks using slings and transferred into custom transport crates. These crates must provide enough space for the belugas to move comfortably and be filled with water at an appropriate level to ensure their well-being during transit.
Step 4 involves the transportation of the belugas in the custom crates via truck to a cargo plane, where they are accompanied by a team of trainers and veterinarians. The animals’ well-being, including their breathing and comfort, is monitored throughout the flight to their new homes.
Upon arrival at their destinations, the belugas will be transferred from the transport crates into their new aquariums, following a quarantine period to ensure their health. Given the challenges of releasing belugas into the wild, particularly due to their origins from Russia and their captivity upbringing, relocating them to suitable facilities is considered the best option for their well-being.
The rescue plan for the Marineland belugas underscores the careful planning and execution required to ensure the safe and humane relocation of these beloved marine mammals.
