Four out of the six beluga whales that were transferred from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, on Wednesday have safely reached the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago by Thursday morning. These four female whales will soon be joining four other belugas that were previously moved to the aquarium back in July during the initial phase of whale transfers.
A specialized team at the closed tourist spot in Niagara assisted in guiding the six belugas into a customized sling one by one before lifting them into tanks on Wednesday. Subsequently, the whales were accompanied by law enforcement to Toronto’s Pearson airport, where the two male belugas flew to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta while the female belugas were transported to Chicago.
The female belugas are currently housed in Shedd’s Abbott Oceanarium, with limited access to visitors as they acclimate to their new environment, as stated in a news release by the aquarium on Thursday. Charlie Jacobsma, the director of animal behavior and training, emphasized the importance of a gradual transition process for the whales, emphasizing close monitoring to understand their individual behaviors and progress.
The recent arrivals include Caspian, a 27-year-old beluga known for a vibrant personality; Peekachu, a 23-year-old energetic and confident whale with a non-functioning right eye; Rain, a 20-year-old beluga with a distinctive forehead; and Secord, a 22-year-old whale recognized for her extended upper jaw and playful behavior with enrichment items.
These new additions will soon reunite with the other four belugas from Marineland—Acadia, Osiris, Sierra, and Lillooet—with whom they have established significant social bonds, according to Shedd. The aquarium’s animal care team will closely monitor the eight whales, tracking their food consumption and breathing patterns. Early reports indicate that the acclimatization process is progressing well.
Shedd has expressed its commitment to relocating up to two more belugas from Marineland. Marineland, which ceased public operations in 2024 and is currently up for sale, has expressed financial constraints and the inability to provide proper care for the whales. Prior to these recent transfers, the park housed 30 belugas and four dolphins, the remaining captive cetaceans in Canada.
The ongoing operation, described by Marineland as “unprecedented,” is perceived as the whales’ best chance for survival. The park’s initial move in July saw six belugas being relocated to Shedd and SeaWorld in San Antonio, followed by seven more belugas transferred to the San Antonio facility weeks later.
The park’s attempt to sell all 30 belugas to a Chinese aquarium was thwarted by the fisheries minister, leading to alternative arrangements with American and Spanish aquariums. SeaWorld in San Diego and Oceanografic Valencia in Spain are also slated to receive some of Marineland’s cetaceans.
In the event of any unforeseen hindrances to the relocation process, euthanasia may be considered for the whales. Following the recent transfers, Marineland will be left with 11 belugas and four dolphins, aiming to complete the removal of all whales by the end of the month.
Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson acknowledged the successful transfer of another group of belugas to Shedd Aquarium and Georgia Aquarium, crediting various organizations and facilities for their dedication in facilitating the rescue operation.