13 Rescued Beluga Whales Reach U.S. Homes From Canada
San Antonio – October 21, 2026 -- Thirteen beluga whales from a closed marine park in Canada have now arrived at U.S. aquariums, completing two transports in what the rescue partners call one of the largest and most complex marine mammal rescues ever attempted.
The whales belong to a group of 30 belugas at a Canadian park that could no longer support their long-term care. Several accredited aquariums, including SeaWorld, were invited earlier this year to help build a rescue plan.
Two transports have placed 13 belugas in Texas and Illinois
On July 21, 2026, SeaWorld San Antonio welcomed two rescued belugas, and Shedd Aquarium in Chicago received four. On Aug. 4, SeaWorld San Antonio took in seven more.
Georgia Aquarium, SeaWorld San Diego and Oceanogràfic Valencia in Spain are slated to receive whales in future rescues. Mystic Aquarium is taking no animals but is providing additional capacity and support.