Six beluga whales finally leave troubled Canadian marine park

Six beluga whales have finally left Marineland, a troubled Canadian marine park in Niagara Falls. The park had previously thought about killing its animals, but the whales are now arriving at US aquariums this week.

The whales' journey to the US means their long and difficult time in captivity in Canada is over. However, animal supporters say that while the new places are better than Marineland, they might still face problems.

Phil Demers, who worked with whales at Marineland for many years before becoming a strong critic, said he feels some relief. But he added that it is hard to fully support any of the places where these animals will live. He hopes that US parks have better rules for animal care compared to Canada.

Demers is happy for the animals, but he knows the struggle to improve their lives will likely continue for many years. Marineland operated for a long time until it effectively closed to visitors in 2024. The park once had one of the largest populations of captive whales in the world but had long been known for reports of poor conditions for the animals.

Official documents show that 20 whales, including 19 belugas and one orca, have died at the park since 2019. The number of visitors decreased, bad publicity grew, and a new law in 2019 that stopped the sale, captivity, and breeding of dolphins and whales contributed to the park's problems.

This led to arguments between Marineland, the Canadian government, and activists. The government stopped Marineland from moving its whales to a theme park in China because they were worried about the animals' welfare. In response, Marineland threatened to kill its 30 belugas in October 2025 if the government did not provide financial support.

Last month, Canada and Marineland agreed to move the belugas to a group of US aquariums in Georgia, Chicago, San Diego, and San Antonio, as well as the Oceanogràfic València aquarium in Spain. On Monday, the whales were carefully lifted out of their tanks and taken by plane to Toronto Pearson international airport.

According to the Canadian Press, Sierra, Acadia, Osiris, and Lillooet arrived at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. Bertie Botts and Frankie were taken to SeaWorld in San Antonio. There are still 24 other whales and two dolphins at Marineland.

The Shedd aquarium stated on July 8 that it intended to rescue up to 10 of Marineland’s whales. They said that once the rescued whales arrive, they will have access to a varied diet of seafood, healthy living spaces, clean water, and lots of individual care. SeaWorld San Antonio said their commitment is clear and they are ready to help the whales.

Marineland told the Canadian Press that their main focus is the safe and comfortable transfer of these whales to their new homes. However, the Canadian animal advocacy group Animal Justice remains worried due to Marineland’s lack of openness about the whales’ health. Camille Labchuk, the executive director, stated that Marineland has not been truthful about the health of these sensitive animals, and this secrecy continues. The group wants the US aquariums to ensure the whales will not be bred or forced to perform, which is now illegal in Canada.