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.
Veterinarians evaluated every whale in Canada before the move
Months before the first transport, veterinarians and animal care specialists from the participating aquariums traveled to Canada. They assessed each animal, reviewed veterinary records, observed social relationships and worked alongside the park's own care team.
Transports are planned around social groupings, so bonded belugas travel and settle in together. Dr. Chris Dold, SeaWorld's Chief Zoological Officer, said the rescue "started with the needs of the belugas."
Each whale traveled in a cold-water unit with a vet alongside
Every beluga rode in a specialized cold-water transport unit built for marine mammals. The journey from Ontario combined truck, aircraft and ground transport. Marine mammal veterinarians and animal care specialists stayed with the whales throughout, monitoring health and comfort.
Canadian and U.S. government agencies and aviation partners coordinated each stage.
Round-the-clock monitoring guides the whales' first weeks
Care teams are watching the new arrivals around the clock as they adjust. Specialists are tracking whether the whales explore their habitats, eat and forage, swim comfortably, vocalize and socialize, and build confidence in their surroundings.
Introductions to resident beluga pods will happen slowly, and only when animal care experts judge the whales ready. Steve Aibel, Vice President of Animals and Conservation at SeaWorld San Antonio, said each animal will adapt on its own timeline.
SeaWorld already cares for 13 belugas across three U.S. parks
SeaWorld says it has cared for belugas for more than 50 years. Its past work includes caring for Tyonek, the first successfully rescued and rehabilitated endangered Cook Inlet beluga calf, and supporting the evacuation of Plombir and Miranda from war-torn Ukraine. The company reports more than 43,000 animals rescued over six decades.
Care teams will share observations with partner aquariums as they prepare for the remaining transports. The animals' needs will determine the timing of future moves, in coordination with government agencies.