Six Beluga Whales Have Left Marineland—But 24 Still Await Relocation
UPDATE | July 22, 2026
After years in captivity at Marineland, six beluga whales have left the facility. Their relocation marks the first phase of what is believed to be Canada’s largest-ever beluga whale relocation.
Belugas are born to navigate the vast Arctic seas, travel great distances, communicate through a remarkable range of vocalizations, and live within close-knit family groups. A concrete tank can never replace the ocean or the lives these intelligent, social whales were meant to live.
Moving belugas is an enormous undertaking. Each whale was carefully supported in a specially designed transport sling and monitored by marine mammal veterinarians throughout the transfer. Four belugas were transferred to Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, while two were moved to SeaWorld San Antonio. Because of the complexity of the operation, the remaining whales will be relocated in stages.
We believe whales belong in the wild—not in captivity. With no operational seaside whale sanctuary available to receive these belugas, marine facilities were the only immediate option for removing them from Marineland.
While we do not support keeping whales in captivity, we are relieved these six belugas are no longer at Marineland. We remain committed to advocating for true seaside sanctuaries, where whales born in captivity can live in protected ocean environments that more closely resemble their natural habitat.
Twenty-four beluga whales remain at Marineland, still waiting to be relocated. Their story is far from over, and we will continue shining a light on their journey until every one of them has left Marineland.
Wild animals belong in their natural habitats—not in captivity. These whales belong in the ocean, where they can live wild and free, as nature intended.
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The future of the beluga whales and bottlenose dolphins still living at Marineland Canada took another turn this week after U.S. authorities approved the import of the animals under medical emergency provisions, allowing the proposed relocation process to move forward.
Before any whales or dolphins can leave the facility, each animal must undergo comprehensive veterinary examinations, and Canadian officials must still issue final export permits based on each individual’s health and welfare. A separate permit also remains under review for the transfer of some of the belugas to Oceanogràfic València in Spain.
At the center of the proposed relocation are 30 beluga whales and four bottlenose dolphins that have remained at Marineland since the Niagara Falls park closed to the public in 2024.
Long before Marineland shut its doors, it had become Canada’s most controversial marine park, facing years of investigations, lawsuits, regulatory scrutiny, and persistent concerns over the welfare of the animals in its care. When the gates closed, the animals remained, leaving dozens of whales and dolphins in limbo and intensifying calls to place their welfare above all else.
World Animal News has closely followed the ongoing controversy surrounding Marineland and the uncertain future of the whales and dolphins that remain there. Earlier this year, Canadian officials blocked Marineland’s proposal to export the belugas to China, where they would have continued living in captivity for public display and entertainment, a decision welcomed by many throughout the animal welfare community. That relief was short-lived after Marineland later suggested that euthanasia could become a possibility if another alternative could not be found, renewing concerns about the animals’ future and the urgent need for a long-term solution that places their welfare first.
Where these animals ultimately live will have a profound impact on their future. As the relocation process moves forward, every step should be guided by compassion, independent veterinary expertise, and what is genuinely in the best interest of each individual whale and dolphin.
While there is currently no operational accredited seaside sanctuary capable of caring for Marineland’s remaining belugas as a group, World Animal News remains hopeful that one day retired captive cetaceans will have that option. Until then, these whales and dolphins deserve the highest standard of lifelong care, with every effort made to provide an environment that gives them the opportunity not just to survive, but to truly thrive.
