Shedd Aquarium

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.

Chicago – September 11, 2026 -- The city of Chicago and Mayor Brandon Johnson are bringing back the Chicago River Swim for a second year, expanding the event from 500 to 750 qualified swimmers and reviving "The Big Jump" as part of a three-day weekend from September 18 to 20, 2026. Registration is open now at ChicagoRiverSwim.org for both the swim and the jump.

The Big Jump kicks off the weekend on September 18

The event gives registered participants a sanctioned chance to leap into the river while raising money for ALS research and youth swim education. Mayor Johnson will serve as master of ceremonies alongside Dutch Olympic gold medalist Maarten van der Weijden, Czech ice-swimming world champion Max Munson, Dublin Mayor Daryl Barron, former Chicago Bears player Charles Tillman, and Grammy-winning producer DJ White Shadow.