About 30 beluga whales are being transferred from the closed Marineland park in Niagara Falls, Ontario, to aquariums in the U.S. and Spain [1], [2].
The rescue effort is critical because the permanent closure of the facility left the marine mammals without a suitable habitat or long-term care plan [3].
The international operation involves relocating the whales to facilities capable of providing specialized care. Some of the animals are being moved to U.S. institutions, including the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago [1], [2]. Reports indicate that other whales are being transferred to facilities in Spain [2].
On July 21, 2026, the first reported transfer to the Shedd Aquarium took place [1]. While some early reports focused on a specific group of six beluga whales [4], the broader rescue effort encompasses about 30 animals [1].
In addition to the belugas, the rescue operation includes four dolphins that remained at the Niagara Falls site [5]. The animals are being transported using specialized cold-water containers, and loading trucks to ensure their safety during the journey across borders.
The closure of the park necessitated an emergency response to prevent the animals from remaining in an inactive facility. The coordination between Canadian authorities and international aquariums aims to secure permanent housing for the pod [3].
“About 30 beluga whales are being transferred from the closed Marineland park”
The relocation of these animals highlights the logistical and ethical complexities that arise when private zoological facilities close. Because large marine mammals cannot be easily released into the wild after long-term captivity, international cooperation between accredited aquariums becomes the only viable alternative to prevent animal neglect during corporate insolvency.
