Marineland’s Belugas One Step Closer to Relocation

UPDATED 7/9/26: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States has authorized the emergency rescue of the beluga whales still housed at Marineland. According to multiple media reports, the whales, which are still subject to veterinary examinations before transport, will be transferred to various SeaWorld locations, Shedd Aquarium, and Georgia Aquarium. An unspecified number of belugas, along with the remaining four dolphins, may also be transferred to Oceanogràfic València in Spain.

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Finally, the 30-odd beluga whales that have remained incarcerated at the now-shuttered Marineland Canada appear to be one step closer to relocation.

Last week, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada approved a proposal that could see the whales relocated to a facility in Spain—Oceanogràfic València—along with four facilities in the United States, including Georgia Aquarium, Shedd Aquarium, and SeaWorld facilities in San Diego and San Antonio.

Last fall, the Niagara Falls attraction warned that euthanasia could become a possibility if transfer options continued to be denied. Uncertainty over their future, as well as the future of the other animals housed at the park, has remained ever since the park closed its doors in 2024.

Even now, the transfer is pending medical exams and export permits, and no timeline has been outlined.

While the most humane option would have the cetaceans retired to an open-to-ocean sanctuary, where they could live out their lives in peace and dignity, there is no question that they need to be removed from Marineland at the earliest possible opportunity.

Please follow Dolphin Project’s social media channels for updates.

Featured image: Captive beluga whales, Marineland of Canada. Credit: DolphinProject.org