Six beluga whales have arrived in the US after being moved from a closed Canadian marine park that could no longer care for them. The marine park, Marineland of Canada, was home to a large pod of 30 belugas, and specialist teams have been working to rehome the animals.
The six beluga whales, including Sierra, Acadia, Osiris, and Lillooet, who arrived at a Chicago facility, and Bertie Botts and Frankie, who arrived at SeaWorld in San Antonio, Texas, were transported in specialised cold-water containers by truck and plane. Throughout the journey, the animals were accompanied by marine mammal veterinarians to ensure their safety and well-being.
The relocation effort, which is part of an unprecedented international relocation effort, involved months of planning and veterinary checks. Specialist teams are now monitoring the whales as they settle into their new homes.
The closure of Marineland of Canada has raised concerns about the welfare of the belugas, and the relocation effort is a significant step towards ensuring the animals receive the care they need. With a number of belugas still to be rehomed, the relocation effort is ongoing, with more whales expected to arrive in the US in the coming weeks and months.
The UK's Foreign Office has not issued any specific travel advice in relation to the relocation of the beluga whales, but the incident highlights the importance of ensuring the welfare of animals in captivity. As more belugas are rehomed, the UK public can expect to hear more about the relocation effort and the progress of the animals.