Four out of the six beluga whales that were transported from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, on Wednesday have safely arrived at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago on Thursday morning. These four female belugas will be joining four other belugas that were previously shipped to the aquarium from Marineland in July during the initial phase of whale transfers.
A specialized team at Marineland guided the six belugas into a custom sling one by one before lifting them into tanks on Wednesday. The belugas were then escorted by police to Toronto’s Pearson airport. Subsequently, the two male belugas were flown to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, while the female belugas were transported to Chicago.
The female belugas have been placed in the Abbott Oceanarium at Shedd, where they will be kept away from public view as they acclimate to their new environment. Charlie Jacobsma, the director of animal behavior and training at Shedd, stated that the transition process is being handled meticulously, focusing on the whales’ comfort and adjustment.
The newly arrived belugas include 27-year-old Caspian, known for his vibrant personality; 23-year-old Peekachu, described as energetic and confident despite a non-functioning right eye; 20-year-old Rain, distinguished by a unique forehead; and 22-year-old Secord, recognized for her elongated upper jaw and fondness for pushing enrichment items.
These new arrivals will soon be reunited with the four other belugas from Marineland, namely Acadia, Osiris, Sierra, and Lillooet, with whom they share significant social bonds, according to Shedd. Belugas typically thrive in large social groups, supporting each other in various activities such as swimming, hunting, and socializing.
The animal care team at Shedd will closely monitor the eight belugas, ensuring they maintain a healthy food intake and surface regularly for breathing. Early assessments suggest that the belugas are adapting well to their new environment.
Shedd has committed to rescuing up to two more belugas from Marineland as part of their ongoing efforts. Marineland ceased public operations in 2024 and is currently facing financial challenges, prompting the need to relocate the remaining belugas and dolphins in their care.
The intricate operation to transfer the belugas to the United States is deemed crucial for their long-term well-being. Marineland had initially planned to sell all 30 belugas to a Chinese aquarium but faced opposition from authorities. Subsequently, a consortium of American and Spanish aquariums facilitated the current relocation process, with more belugas expected to find new homes at SeaWorld in San Diego and Oceanografic Valencia in Spain.
If the belugas are not moved as planned, Marineland has stated that they would consider euthanizing them. Following the recent relocation, Marineland will be left with 11 belugas and four dolphins, aiming to complete the transition of all whales by the end of the month.
Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson commended the successful relocation of the belugas to Shedd Aquarium and Georgia Aquarium, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of various organizations and facilities involved in the rescue mission.