Relocations for the first of dozens of beluga whales that remained at the now-shuttered Marineland Canada have begun, according to the aquariums **** isting in the rescue.
Marineland Canada, located in Niagara Falls, Ontario, closed in September 2024 in the wake of controversy and allegations of animal abuse, CBC reported. Thirty beluga whales remained at the facility -- their care funded by donations. But once those donations ran out, their caretakers worried that euthanasia might be imminent -- asking the Canadian government in October 2025 for funds to feed the marine mammals.
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On Monday, six of the beluga whales began their journey to their new home, according to several **** ociation of Zoos & Aquariums-accredited aquariums that are collaborating in the rescue.
Veterinarians **** sed the belugas' fitness for travel before they were loaded into specialized cold-water containers and transported by truck and plane, the aquariums said. The belugas, ranging in age from 6 to about 40, have been receiving "top-notch care" and are all in great condition, Eric Otjen, vice president of zoological operations at SeaWorld San Diego, told ABC News.

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