Marineland belugas begin emergency rescue move to U.S. aquariums
AI-generated image · Bay Street Wire
Six whales left the closed Niagara Falls, Ont., park Monday in the first wave of a plan to rehome up to 30 belugas to accredited aquariums in the U.S. and Spain.
Q: What is currently happening at the permanently closed Marineland theme park and zoo in Niagara Falls, Ont.?
A: According to CBC News, an "emergency rescue" is underway to relocate the facility's beluga whales to the United States. On Monday, six whales began the transport process, with a broader plan that could see up to 30 whales rehomed over the coming weeks. CBC News reported that four Paddock Transport International trucks and two DeSantis Crane Service cranes were observed on the property, while the Niagara Regional Police Service provided traffic control support.
Q: Why is this move being described as an "emergency rescue" now?
A: The urgency stems from a dire situation where the animals were facing the threat of euthanasia since last autumn. As reported by CBC News, the federal government denied a request from Marineland to export the whales to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China. Furthermore, following the 2024 deaths of owners Marie Holer and John Holer, the park closed to the public, leading to concerns that funding to properly care for the whales was running out.
Q: Where are the whales going, and who is overseeing the move?
A: The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) endorsed a plan to split the 30 remaining whales between Oceanogràfic València in Spain and four U.S. sites: the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, and SeaWorld facilities in San Antonio, Texas, and San Diego, Calif. CBC News reports that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) authorized the emergency rescue, and the operation involves a collective of Associated of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited aquariums.
Q: What conditions must be met before the whales can leave Canada?
A: Per CBC News, Canadian veterinarians had to conduct medical exams to ensure the animals were healthy enough for travel. Additionally, the Canadian government had to issue export permits under the Fisheries Act, which requires that leaving the country be in the best interest of the whales. A spokesperson for Marineland told The Canadian Press that relocation had begun, though they previously told CBC News they could not confirm details of the move.
Q: What is the promise for the whales' future at these new facilities?
A: The AZA-accredited aquariums stated that experts will accompany the whales to their new homes. According to CBC News, the animals will be provided with onsite medical care, high-quality environments with guaranteed water quality, and diverse seafood to meet their nutritional requirements.