SeaWorld San Antonio receives seven rescued beluga whales

SeaWorld San Antonio has completed the arrival of seven female beluga whales, marking a major milestone in an international rescue effort to relocate animals from the closed Marineland Canada in Ontario. The seven whales—named Xena, Gemini, Skyla, Meeka, Eve, Neva, and Calypso—traveled approximately 2,000 miles via truck and cargo plane in specialized water-filled containers.

This transport is part of a broader operation to find new homes for a pod of 30 belugas that faced potential euthanasia following the closure of Marineland. To date, SeaWorld San Antonio has welcomed nine whales in total, including two males, Frankie and Bertie Botts, who arrived in July.

The newly arrived females are currently being held in a private habitat away from public view to allow them to acclimate to their new environment. Veterinary and animal care staff are monitoring their nutrition, rest, and social interactions. SeaWorld is collaborating with several AZA-accredited organizations, including the Shedd Aquarium and Georgia Aquarium, to coordinate future transfers for the remaining whales.