Six Belugas from Canada arrive at aquariums in the United States

Chicago – 26/07/2026: Six belugas from the former Marineland park in Niagara Falls, Canada, have arrived in the United States following a complex relocation. Four animals were taken to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, while two others were transferred to SeaWorld San Antonio in Texas. According to the institutions involved, all of the whales completed transport by truck and cargo aircraft without any reported complications.

The animals reached their new pools on 21 July. The two belugas in San Antonio are Bertie Bott and Frankie. According to SeaWorld, they were initially housed in a saltwater pool with a capacity of around 7.6 million litres. The Shedd Aquarium took in four additional animals. Veterinarians and care teams are expected to closely monitor the newcomers during their first weeks and gradually acclimatise them to their unfamiliar surroundings.

The operation was prompted by the closure of Marineland Canada to the public in 2024. Numerous marine mammals, including belugas and dolphins, remained at the site afterward. In June, the Canadian federal government supported a plan to distribute the remaining animals among several facilities in the United States and Spain. Cross-border transport required import and export permits, veterinary examinations, and coordinated transportation and care plans.

The arrival of the six belugas marks the beginning of this broader operation. Under plans known so far, the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, SeaWorld San Diego, and the Oceanogràfic in Valencia, Spain, are also expected to receive animals. The number of belugas relocated to each facility will depend on further permits and health assessments of the individual animals. The first group was flown out of Ontario together and then divided between Chicago and San Antonio.

The relocation was preceded by a lengthy dispute over the animals’ future. The Canadian government had previously rejected the export of belugas to China because they would likely have continued to be kept in captivity there for entertainment purposes. Requirements concerning transport, care, and husbandry were instead established for their placement in North American and European facilities.

Animal welfare organisations welcome the fact that the first whales were able to leave Marineland, but criticise their continued captivity in aquariums. The receiving institutions point to their experience with belugas, veterinary care, and long-term care programmes. According to the organisations involved, the remaining transports from Niagara Falls are to take place gradually. This will allow the timing, transport conditions, and destination to be adapted to the condition of each individual animal.