Four out of the six beluga whales that were moved from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, on Wednesday have safely reached the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago by Thursday morning. These four female belugas will soon be joining four other belugas that were previously transferred to the aquarium in July as part of a series of whale relocations.
At Marineland, a team of specialized workers carefully guided each of the six belugas into a custom sling before hoisting them into tanks on Wednesday. Subsequently, the belugas were accompanied by police to Toronto’s Pearson airport. The two male belugas were flown to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, while the female belugas were transported to Chicago.
Upon arrival at Shedd’s 11.3-million litre Abbott Oceanarium, the female belugas will be kept away from public view as they adjust to their new environment, according to a news release from the aquarium. The director of animal behavior and training, Charlie Jacobsma, emphasized the importance of allowing the belugas to acclimate at their own pace through close observation and interaction.
The recent additions to Shedd’s beluga family include Caspian, a 27-year-old beluga known for his 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 recognized for her long upper jaw and playful behavior with enrichment items.
These new belugas will soon be reunited with the other four belugas from Marineland, with whom they share significant social connections. Jacobsma highlighted the importance of maintaining familiar bonds to help the belugas adapt to their new habitats and caretakers.
Shedd’s animal care team will closely monitor the eight belugas 24/7, tracking their food consumption and breathing patterns. Early assessments indicate that the belugas are responding well to the transition process.
Shedd Aquarium has expressed its commitment to rescuing up to two more belugas from Marineland, which closed its doors to the public in 2024 due to financial constraints. Prior to the recent transfers, Marineland housed 30 belugas and four dolphins, the last captive marine mammals in Canada.
The ongoing transfer of belugas is considered crucial for the animals’ survival, with future plans to relocate additional belugas to other reputable facilities in the U.S. and Spain. If the remaining belugas are not relocated, Marineland has stated that euthanasia may be considered as a last resort.
Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson commended the collaborative efforts of various organizations and facilities involved in the beluga rescue operations, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the well-being of these marine mammals.