Muhammad Aman Ullah
August 4, 2026
Ontario, Canada: Canada’s Marineland has begun the second phase of its beluga whale relocation program, transferring seven more whales to the United States as part of efforts to provide better long-term care following ongoing financial difficulties.
According to Marineland officials, the seven female beluga whales were transported on Monday to a marine life facility in Texas, where they will receive specialized veterinary care and live in an environment designed to support their health and well-being.
Seven Beluga Whales Relocated
The whales relocated in the latest operation are Xena, Gemini, Scylla, Mika, Eve, Neva, and Calypso.
Park officials said the animals are being transported under strict veterinary supervision using specially designed equipment to ensure their safety throughout the journey. Animal welfare remains the top priority during every stage of the relocation process.
Second Phase of a Larger Relocation Plan
This marks the second phase of Marineland’s relocation initiative.
In July, six beluga whales were successfully transferred to marine facilities in the United States. Following that successful operation, the park has continued moving its remaining marine mammals to new accredited care centers.
A Complex International Operation
Wildlife experts describe the relocation of such a large number of beluga whales as an exceptionally complex undertaking.
The operation requires specialized transport slings, experienced veterinarians, marine mammal experts, and close coordination between organizations in multiple countries. Similar large-scale transfers are considered extremely rare worldwide.
Financial Challenges Behind the Move
Marineland has remained closed to the public since 2024 due to severe financial difficulties.
Park management has acknowledged that maintaining and caring for all of its marine animals has become increasingly difficult. The company is also seeking buyers for both the park and its surrounding property.
China Relocation Plan Was Rejected
Before reaching agreements with U.S. facilities, Marineland had planned to relocate its beluga whales and dolphins to China.
However, the Canadian federal government did not approve the proposal, forcing the plan to be abandoned.
The park had previously warned that without immediate financial support it could face the difficult possibility of euthanizing its remaining beluga whales, prompting widespread concern among animal welfare organizations and the public.
New International Partnership
Following those concerns, marine life institutions in the United States and Spain developed a collaborative plan to relocate Marineland’s whales to accredited marine facilities.
Under this initiative, six whales were relocated during the first phase, while another seven have now been transferred in the latest operation.
World’s Largest Captive Beluga Collection
Before the relocation program began, Marineland housed 30 beluga whales and four dolphins, making it the world’s largest captive beluga whale collection.
The park also housed Canada’s last remaining captive whales and dolphins.
More Relocations Planned
Marineland says the relocation process will continue in phases until all remaining animals have been moved to suitable facilities.
Officials emphasized that each transfer is carefully planned to ensure the animals receive the highest standards of care, veterinary support, and a safe transition to their new homes.
The ongoing relocation marks one of the largest marine mammal transfer operations in recent years and reflects growing efforts to prioritize animal welfare while addressing the financial challenges facing one of Canada’s best-known marine parks.
