American authorities have given the green light for an emergency rescue operation that will bring Canada’s last captive whales and dolphins to new homes across the United States. The operation, announced this week by a consortium of marine parks, marks a significant step forward in relocating the animals from the now-closed Marineland facility in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
The rescue effort involves 30 beluga whales and four dolphins that have been waiting for their fate to be decided since Marineland closed its doors in 2024 following the death of its last surviving owner. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration granted authorization this week, though organizers caution that the complex operation will still require several weeks to complete.
Five marine facilities will receive the animals: Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, SeaWorld locations in both San Antonio and San Diego, and Oceanografic Valencia in Spain. The American aquariums, all members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, stepped up to help after Ottawa rejected a previous request to send the whales to China last fall. Spanish permits are still pending approval.
Marineland currently holds the largest population of captive belugas in the world, making this an unprecedented relocation effort. According to Johnny Ford, spokesperson for Shedd Aquarium, dedicated care teams from the receiving facilities will soon arrive to assess the animals’ health and prepare them for transport. Canadian veterinarians must clear each animal for travel before the move can proceed.
Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans issued initial export permits in early June and is working with border services and health authorities to ensure all requirements are met. Marineland expressed support for the relocation, acknowledging the facility can no longer provide adequate long-term care for the marine mammals. The rescue operation prioritizes animal safety above all else, with no definitive timeline yet established for completion.
