News 22/07/2026 18:03

Beluga whales lifted out of defunct theme park to begin journey to new homes in US

It’s a job whale done.

Animal rescuers on Monday kicked off the monumental mission to transfer nearly three dozen belugas stuck inside a shuttered Canadian theme park to new homes in the US. 

Pictures from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario on Monday show the long-awaited rescue efforts appearing to go swimmingly.

A beluga whale being lifted by a crane with a crowd of people watching.Workers have started to move six of the nearly three dozen beluga whales stuck inside a shuttered Canadian theme to new homes in the US, photos show.  Carlos Osorio/The Canadian Press via AP

Some of the majestic sea canaries — which can reach weights of up to 3,500 pounds — were seen being hoisted out of their habitat in massive slings attached to a heavy-duty crane.

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One beluga whale, Sierra, looked nonplussed about the whole affair as she was then hauled away by truck.

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Beluga whale being lifted in a transport sling by a crane.Beluga whale Sierra was seen being lifted up high into the air by a heavy-duty crane, and was later transported away from the theme park by truck.  Carlos Osorio/The Canadian Press via AP Beluga whale being lifted in a sling.The oxygen-breathing marine mammal looked nonplussed about the whole affair.  Carlos Osorio/The Canadian Press via AP

Sierra is expected to be joined by Acadia, Osiris and Lilooet at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, CBC reported, while belugas Bertie Botts and Frankie are destined to be flown out to SeaWorld in San Antonio, Texas. 

Canadian officials confirmed that Monday was the beginning of relocation efforts for all thirty of the whales. 

Beluga whale being lifted by a crane in a stretcher.Canadian officials confirmed that this was the beginning of relocation efforts for all thirty of the whales.  Carlos Osorio/The Canadian Press via AP

“The first wave of the rescue mission at Marineland is underway,” Canadian Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson said.

The whale’s home at Marineland had shuttered after the death of the zoo’s owners John Holer and Marie Holer in 2024, according to CBC. 

A large sign for MarineLand, featuring images of two beluga whales and the words "Education, Conservation, Research" in front of a building, viewed through a chain-link fence.The whale’s home at Marineland had shuttered after the death of the zoo’s owners John Holer and Marie Holer in 2024, according to CBC.  AFP via Getty Images

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An aerial view of multiple white beluga whales swimming in a large pool of dark and turquoise water.The whales’ fate was in the balance for some time, with the belugas living under the threat of euthanasia if a suitable home wasn’t found, CBC reported. AFP via Getty Images

Though staff continued to care for the sea creatures, the outlet reported the whales’ fate was in the balance for some time, with the belugas living under the threat of euthanasia if a suitable home wasn’t found. 

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But authorities in Canada came to agreements with the US and Spain over moving the whales earlier last month, saving the creatures’ lives and giving them a new home. 

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