Europe’s largest aquarium is set to become a potential new home for some of the 30 beluga whales still residing at Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada recently approved a rescue plan that would involve relocating all remaining whales to Oceanogràfic València in Spain or one of four U.S. locations: Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, and two SeaWorld facilities in San Diego, California, and San Antonio, Texas.
Following the denial of Marineland’s request to export the belugas to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China last fall, the whales have faced the possibility of euthanasia. The closure of the theme park and zoo in 2024, after the passing of its owners John Holer and Marie Holer, prompted staff to continue caring for the remaining animals.
According to Johnny Ford, a vice president at Shedd Aquarium speaking on behalf of the aquarium collective, there is no fixed timeline for the rescue operation. The accredited aquariums, ready to act within weeks, are awaiting medical assessments by Canadian veterinarians to ensure the whales’ fitness for travel. Additionally, they are in the process of obtaining the necessary import permits from the U.S. and Spanish governments.
The final hurdle lies in securing export permits from the Canadian government, which can be granted under the Fisheries Act if it is deemed in the whales’ best interest to leave the country. Erik Nosaluk from the Office of the Minister of Fisheries stated that the approval for export permits will be issued closer to the transport date pending final health checks on the animals.
Oceanogràfic València, which successfully relocated two belugas from Ukraine amid conflict, has been actively engaged in the Marineland case due to its expertise in cross-border beluga movements. The evacuation of two belugas, Plombir and Miranda, from Kharkiv, Ukraine, to València in June 2024 showcased the aquarium’s capabilities in handling such operations.
The collaborative efforts of Georgia Aquarium and SeaWorld in the previous rescue operation highlighted the meticulous planning required to transport belugas over long distances. Ford emphasized that the experienced collective involved in the upcoming Marineland transport is diligently organizing the rescue logistics to ensure a safe and successful relocation process.
