Seven beluga whales rescued from closed marine park in Canada now being cared for at SeaWorld San Antonio
7 whales rescued from closed marine park in Canada
From Canada to Texas. Seven beluga whales have been rescued from a closed marine park in Canada and are now being cared for at SeaWorld San Antonio.
From Canada to Texas. Seven beluga whales are now safe and sound at SeaWorld San Antonio after being rescued from a closed marine park in Canada that could no longer care for them.
The whales were moved in specialized, water-filled transport units by truck and plane from the park in Niagara Falls to SeaWorld San Antonio. (SeaWorld)
The seven female whales — Gemini, Skyla, Meeka, Eve, Neva and Calypso — join two males, Frankie and Bertie Botts, who arrived in Texas on July 21.
The whales were moved in specialized, water-filled transport units by truck and plane from the park in Niagara Falls to SeaWorld San Antonio. (SeaWorld)
SeaWorld says the whales were moved in specialized, water-filled transport units by truck and plane for the 2,000-mile journey from the park in Niagara Falls to SeaWorld San Antonio with veterinarians and animal care specialists accompanying them.
What they're saying:
"Given this is the largest number of belugas being moved at one time, we are so happy that all went well and the second transport of this huge rescue effort is complete. All seven female belugas are now at SeaWorld San Antonio. They are receiving veterinary care, nutrition and attention as they acclimate to their new environment," said Steve Aibel, Vice President, Animals and Conservation for SeaWorld San Antonio in a release.
Veterinarians and animal care specialists accompanied the belugas on their journey to San Antonio (SeaWorld)
The backstory:
The nine whales were among 30 that were living at Marineland, an amusement park near Niagara Falls that was having financial issues.
In 2023, Marineland announced it was for sale and in late summer 2024 closed to the public.
Last fall, Marineland asked the Canadian government for emergency funding to feed and care for the whales, warning that euthanasia may be necessary without financial support. Marineland also requested permission to export the whales to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, an aquarium in China. The request was denied by Canadian Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson who said the denial is consistent with a 2019 law making it illegal to use whales and dolphins in entertainment shows or keep them in captivity.
Last month, the U.S. federal government approved the rescue of the 30 whales, with 28 moving to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, SeaWorld in San Diego, California, and SeaWorld in San Antonio, Texas. The other two whales will be sent to Oceanogràfic Valéncia in Spain.
What's next:
SeaWorld says the whales are currently housed in a private habitat away from public view while animal care staff focus on their transition and are being watched closely for signs that they are eating well, resting comfortably, and beginning to interact with one another in their new surroundings.
The whales are currently housed in a private habitat away from public view while animal care staff focus on their transition. (SeaWorld)
The moving of the remaining whales are being coordinated and SeaWorld says it is working with other Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited organizations to transport them in the future.
The Source: This article includes information from SeaWorld and previous FOX Local reporting. This story was reported from Orlando.