Four beluga whales were successfully transported from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. These four females will be joining four other belugas that were previously transferred to the aquarium in July. The whales were carefully guided into a custom sling at Marineland before being transported to their new homes. The females were flown to Chicago, while the males were taken to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.
Upon arrival at the Shedd Aquarium, the four females were settled in the Abbott Oceanarium away from public view to acclimate to their new environment. The aquarium’s director of animal behavior and training emphasized the importance of allowing the whales to adjust at their own pace through close observation.
The new arrivals at Shedd include Caspian, Peekachu, Rain, and Secord, each with unique characteristics. They will soon be reunited with the other belugas from Marineland to maintain their social bonds and facilitate their transition. The aquarium’s animal care team will monitor the whales closely, ensuring their well-being and acclimatization to their new surroundings.
Shedd Aquarium expressed its commitment to rescuing up to two more belugas from Marineland due to the park’s financial struggles and inability to care for the remaining whales. The complex operation of transporting the belugas to the United States is seen as crucial for their survival.
Marineland had planned to sell all 30 belugas to a Chinese aquarium, but the sale was blocked by the fisheries minister. Following negotiations, a consortium of American and Spanish aquariums facilitated the relocation of the belugas to ensure their welfare. If the whales are not relocated, euthanasia may be considered as a last resort. Marineland aims to have all the whales relocated by the end of the month.
Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson acknowledged the successful transfer of six belugas to the Shedd Aquarium and Georgia Aquarium, thanking various organizations involved in the rescue mission.