Rescue Operation Begins for 30 Beluga Whales Stranded at Marineland

An international rescue plan is being implemented for 30 beluga whales that have been stranded at the closed Marineland theme park in Canada since 2024. After a long period of uncertainty, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has approved the relocation operation. With this decision, the way has been paved for the safe transfer of the whales to various accredited aquariums and marine parks. Thus, the option of euthanasia, which had been met with great public reaction, has been removed from the agenda for the time being. According to the plan, 28 of the 30 belugas will be relocated to five accredited facilities in the US. The new habitats of the whales include the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, as well as SeaWorld in San Diego and San Antonio. The remaining two belugas will be sent to Oceanogràfic València, one of Spain's leading marine life centers. Before the operation, all whales will undergo a thorough health check by Canadian veterinary teams. After being deemed fit for travel, expert teams from the US will reevaluate the animals.