Canada approves transfer of captive beluga whales to US parks and Spain's Oceanogràfic

The Canadian government has approved a plan to relocate the remaining beluga whales and dolphins held at Ontario's Marineland aquarium to facilities in the United States and Spain. About 30 belugas and four dolphins will be moved to five marine parks – the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, SeaWorld parks in San Antonio and San Diego, and the Oceanogràfic in Valencia – to avoid the animals being sacrificed after Marineland’s pending closure.

Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Joanne Thompson said the permits issued under CITES represent “a positive step forward,” adding that the ministry is working with other agencies to ensure a safe transfer. The move follows a history of animal‑welfare concerns at Marineland, including the deaths of 19 belugas and one orca over seven years and a recent animal‑cruelty conviction related to black bears.

"I think this is a positive step forward," Thompson was quoted as saying. The Oceanogràfic noted the complexity of re‑housing the whales, which already host four belugas acquired from Ukraine.