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U.S. Authorities Approve Relocation of 28 Beluga Whales from Closed Canadian Park
Federal wildlife officials have cleared the transfer of 28 beluga whales from a shuttered Niagara Falls facility to four U.S. aquariums. Two additional whales are slated for a Spanish facility pending separate approval.
Jul 11, 4:15 PM·1m read1 source
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U.S. wildlife regulators approved the relocation of 28 beluga whales from a closed Canadian theme park to four American aquariums. The animals have remained at the site since its public closure in 2024. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration coordinated the decision with Canadian fisheries authorities. SeaWorld announced the approvals on Wednesday.
The whales will be divided among SeaWorld San Antonio, SeaWorld San Diego, the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, and the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. SeaWorld facilities will receive 16 animals, with 13 assigned to San Antonio and three to San Diego. The Shedd Aquarium will accept up to 10 whales, while the Georgia Aquarium will receive two.
The Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut will provide logistical support.
Two of the original 30 whales are scheduled for Oceanografic Valencia in Spain. Spanish authorities have not yet granted approval for that transfer. Park representatives stated that continued care at the closed facility is no longer feasible and that relocation serves the animals' long-term needs. Officials had previously indicated that euthanasia would be required if transfers were denied.
