Canada backs embattled marine park’s plan to relocate 30 beluga whales

The Canadian federal fisheries ministry and Marineland have officially formed a rescue plan for the future of 30 remaining beluga whales, marking a significant shift after years of pubic and activist pressure.

However, the whales will be shipped to Oceanografic Valencia in Spain as well as a consortium of four US aquariums located in Georgia, Chicago, San Diego, and San Antonio.

At present, no specific timeline has been identified but a spokesperson for the US aquariums noted that the rescue could unfold over a matter of weeks.

The government and Marineland which effectively closed in 2024 had been at odds. Notably, the park had previously threatened to euthanize the belugas after Canada’s fisheries minister blocked a proposed sale to China.

This marks the major decision to send the whales to traditional aquariums instead to a marine conservation zone in Nova Scotia that had advocated housing them.

Kaitlyn Mitchell, a lawyer at Animal Justice stated in a statement: “For years, these animals have languished in decrepit, deteriorating tanks while Ontario’s animal welfare agency failed to take meaningful action.”

Canadian veterinarians will examine each whale to ensure it is healthy enough to travel, certifying that the move is in the best interest of each animal. The government said: “Permits will be issued closer to the date of transport, pending animal health checks.”

Mitchell is deeply concerned about the whales’ health ahead of the major move. Mitchell points out that during a previous Marineland transfer to Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, three out of five transferred belugas died.

It is recommended that independent experts must examine the animals prior to transport to ensure they are not moved with pre-existing underlying health conditions.