Four more belugas arrive at Chicago aquarium from Marineland

Four more belugas have arrived at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium from the shuttered Marineland theme park in Ontario, Canada, as part of an international rescue effort. The whales—Caspian, Peekachu, Rain, and Secord—are the second group to arrive, following an initial four in July. They are among 30 whales and four dolphins slated for relocation to five marine parks in the U.S. and Spain Source: AP News.

The rescue plan

The Canadian government approved the plan after Marineland closed in late 2024. The move may have saved the animals from mass euthanasia. Since 2019, 20 whales—19 belugas and one killer whale—have died at Marineland, according to provincial data Source: AP News. The transport uses custom-built slings and temperature-controlled containers, with experts reviewing years of health records beforehand Source: AP News.

Settling in

At Shedd, the new arrivals are initially kept out of view while staff monitor their health. They are introduced to other belugas through gates to find compatible roommates, and they already trade "signs of affiliation" and sounds Source: AP News. Lead veterinarian Dr. Karisa Tang says the whales are monitored "hour by hour, minute by minute," including food intake and signs of mood Source: AP News.

What's next

Under the plan, belugas and dolphins will be relocated to Shedd Aquarium, Georgia Aquarium, SeaWorld San Antonio and San Diego, and Oceanografic Valencia Source: AP News. The effort is described as "very complex and unprecedented" by Shedd's Charlie Jacobsma Source: AP News. Ground News reports the aquarium says the four females are settling out of view while staff monitor their health Source: Ground News.