Seven beluga whales depart Marineland for SeaWorld San Antonio in latest relocation phase

Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, has launched the second phase of its beluga relocation program, moving seven female whales—Xena, Gemini, Skyla, Meeka, Eve, Neva and Calypso—to SeaWorld’s San Antonio facility on Monday. The park previously relocated six belugas to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and SeaWorld San Antonio in July. Officials emphasized that the transport, involving custom slings and extensive coordination, prioritizes the whales’ health and safety.

Marineland has been closed to visitors since 2024 as it attempts to sell the property and has run out of funds to maintain the animals. Earlier attempts to send the whales to a Chinese aquarium were blocked, and a threatened euthanasia plan led to a rescue deal with a consortium of U.S. and Spanish aquariums.