A cluster of thirty beluga whales, previously stranded at a now-defunct theme park in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada since 2024, faced a possible euthanasia threat if relocation plans were not finalized. However, a new opportunity has emerged for their transfer to aquariums in the United States and Spain following approval by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. To ensure the well-being of the whales, veterinary checks are required prior to the move, with teams from the US facilities scheduled to evaluate the animals and organize the relocation process.
Belugas, a protected species known for their social and inquisitive nature, typically range from 13 to 20 feet in length and are commonly found in the Arctic Ocean. These creatures, sometimes referred to as the “canaries of the sea,” are highly communicative animals, recognized for their vocalizations such as clicks, whistles, and clangs, as well as their ability to mimic other sounds.
The troubled theme park, which has faced financial struggles leading to closure, has seen a significant loss of 20 whales since 2019. Five aquariums are preparing to welcome the belugas, with two destined for Spain’s Oceanogrà fic València and the rest bound for facilities in the US. The selected aquariums, including SeaWorld in San Diego and San Antonio, Atlanta’s Georgia Aquarium, and Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium, are committed to providing the whales with top-notch environments.
Upon clearance for travel by Canadian veterinarians, the belugas will be accompanied by aquarium experts to their new habitats. These facilities are equipped to cater to the animals’ nutritional needs with a variety of seafood, ensure high-quality living conditions, maintain water quality standards, and offer on-site medical care as necessary.
In a separate marine mammal incident, a humpback whale named “Timmy” was successfully rescued after being stranded off Germany’s coast for five weeks. The whale, entangled on Timmendorfer Beach in Lübeck Bay, was safely transported to the North Sea via Denmark aboard a specially designed barge. The rescue effort received praise from officials, with the environment minister lauding it as a positive example of successful marine animal rescue operations.