Four more belugas reach Chicago aquarium in Marineland relocation
Four belugas from shuttered Marineland park arrive at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium, part of a larger relocation of 30 whales and four dolphins.
Chicago's Shedd Aquarium has received four more beluga whales from a closed Canadian theme park, continuing a complex relocation effort that involves moving the country's last captive whales to facilities in the United States and Spain.
The whales — named Caspian, Peekachu, Rain and Secord — are the second group to arrive from Marineland, located near Niagara Falls, Ontario. An initial four belugas made the journey in July.
These animals are part of a larger group of 30 whales and four dolphins being transferred from Marineland after the Canadian government approved the rescue plan, which reportedly prevented the possibility of mass euthanasia.
Marineland was put up for sale in early 2023 and closed to the public in late summer 2024. Provincial data obtained through freedom-of-information requests shows that 20 whales — 19 belugas and one killer whale — died at the park since 2019.
The international transport involves custom-built slings and temperature-controlled containers. Months before the move, experts visited Canada to meet the whales' caretakers and reviewed years of health records.
Charlie Jacobsma, director of animal behavior and training at Shedd, described the effort as "very complex and unprecedented." He noted that the new arrivals were first introduced to resident belugas through gates to determine compatible pairings. The whales now share space with three other belugas and exchange sounds and "signs of affiliation."
"Belugas are very social animals," Jacobsma said. "It was really special to be able to see some of our animals pairing up with these new animals."
Dr. Karisa Tang, Shedd's lead veterinarian, said the whales are adjusting "day by day" and are monitored "hour by hour, minute by minute." Caretakers track food intake, interactions, and signs of mood such as "relaxed swimming," while also checking for soreness or bruises.
Tang praised the animals' expressive faces and personalities, saying, "Every single day it is an absolute joy to work with belugas. There's something about them that seems magical."
The relocation plan sends belugas and dolphins to five marine parks: Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, SeaWorld locations in San Antonio and San Diego, and Oceanografic Valencia in Spain.