CHICAGO (AP) – In a significant effort to relocate Canada's last remaining captive whales, four belugas have arrived at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. This transfer is part of a broader initiative to move the whales from Marineland, a theme park in Ontario that has recently closed, to various aquariums in the United States and Spain.
The newly arrived belugas, named Caspian, Peekachu, Rain, and Secord, represent the second group of whales sent to the Shedd following the initial transfer of four belugas in July 2023. In total, the rescue plan involves relocating 30 belugas and four dolphins, a crucial step sanctioned by the Canadian government to prevent these marine animals from facing mass euthanasia.
Marineland announced plans for its sale in early 2023 and officially closed its doors to the public in late summer 2024. Tragically, since 2019, the marine park has seen the loss of 20 whales, which includes 19 belugas and a killer whale, according to data released by the provincial government and gleaned through freedom-of-information requests.
The rescue operation entails custom-built slings and temperature-controlled transport containers to ensure the comfort of the whales during their international transit. Prior to the journey, a specialized team traveled to Canada to meet with the whales' former caretakers and reviewed extensive health records to prepare for this unprecedented transfer.
Charlie Jacobsma, the director of animal behavior and training at the Shedd Aquarium, described the complexity of this rescue mission, stating, “This has never been done before.” Upon arrival, the new belugas were gradually introduced to the other whales at the aquarium through gated interactions to gauge compatibility, ensuring that the whales would have suitable companions in their new home.
Currently, the four belugas share living space with three other belugas, engaging in social behaviors and communicating through sounds and other signs of affiliation. Jacobsma noted the excitement of observing bonding moments between the new arrivals and the existing belugas, emphasizing the social nature of these marine animals.
Dr. Karisa Tang, the lead veterinarian at Shedd, emphasized the importance of closely monitoring all the belugas as they acclimate to their new environment. “Day by day,” she observed, caretakers are vigilant about food intake, social interactions, and any indications of discomfort, such as soreness or bruising, to ensure the well-being of the whales.
Throughout the adjustment process, Tang expressed her admiration for belugas, highlighting their “great personalities” and expressive faces. She noted, “Every single day it is an absolute joy to work with belugas,” proclaiming a sense of magic inherent in these animals.
The overall relocation plan involves transferring the belugas and dolphins to five marine parks, including the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, SeaWorld facilities in San Antonio and San Diego, and Oceanogràfic in Valencia, Spain. This initiative marks a significant turning point for these marine mammals, aiming to provide them with safe and enriching environments following their difficult past.
