30 beluga whales stranded in abandoned Toronto theme park head to US aquariums for a fresh start

Thirty beluga whales stranded at Canada's Marineland theme park since its closure in 2024 will be relocated to accredited aquariums after an international rescue plan received final approval, avoiding the possibility that the animals could have been euthanized.

The whales have remained at the Niagara Falls marine park since it shut down due to financial difficulties, while concerns mounted over their future. Canadian authorities had reportedly considered euthanasia if suitable homes could not be found for the animals. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has now approved a plan allowing the whales to be transferred to facilities in the United States and Europe over the coming weeks.

Twenty-eight of the belugas will be divided among four accredited U.S. facilities: Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, and SeaWorld parks in San Diego and San Antonio. The remaining two whales will be relocated to Oceanogràfic València in Spain. "This rescue effort will take several weeks to mobilize and complete, and the comfort and safety of the whales remains of the utmost importance," a spokesperson for the American aquarium consortium said.

Before transport begins, each whale must undergo veterinary examinations and be cleared for travel by Canadian officials. Aquarium specialists from the receiving facilities will also assess the animals before accompanying them to their new homes. "Once the belugas are cleared for travel by Canadian veterinarians, aquarium experts will accompany the animals to their new homes, where they will be met with diverse seafood to meet their nutritional needs, high quality environments with guaranteed water quality and onsite medical care should they require it at any time," the consortium said.

Marineland has faced years of scrutiny over its treatment of marine mammals. Reports indicate roughly 20 whales died at the park since 2019, fueling criticism from animal welfare organizations. Canadian officials previously blocked a proposal to transfer the whales to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China, citing the country's 2019 law restricting the captivity of whales and dolphins for entertainment purposes.

The belugas will now be cared for at accredited facilities equipped with dedicated veterinary teams, high-quality habitats, and long-term care programs.