In brief
Six beluga whales from Marineland Canada have arrived at two US aquariums, the first step in an unprecedented relocation plan for a pod of thirty. The whales, named Sierra, Acadia, Osiris and Lillooet, reached a Chicago facility, while Bertie Botts and Frankie landed in San Antonio, Texas. Transported in specialised cold‑water containers by truck and plane, veterinarians accompanied them throughout the journey. The move follows months of planning and veterinary checks, with the teams monitoring the bears as they settle into their new homes. This relocation highlights growing global cooperation in marine mammal conservation.
Six beluga whales have successfully completed a long haul from Marineland Canada to two aquariums in the United States. The Canadian marine park, unable to continue caring for the animals, closed its doors, prompting a global rescue operation.
The six whales – Sierra, Acadia, Osiris and Lillooet – arrived at a Chicago facility, while Bertie Botts and Frankie arrived at SeaWorld in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of a larger pod of thirty belugas that will be rehomed.
Transported in specialised cold‑water containers by truck and then by plane, the whales were accompanied by marine‑mammal veterinarians throughout the journey. This first stage of the relocation underscores the careful coordination required for such international efforts.
The move followed months of planning and rigorous veterinary checks. Teams at the receiving facilities are now monitoring the whales as they adjust to their new environments.
