Six beluga whales rescued from Marineland in Canada have arrived at their new homes in the US following a coordinated international rescue operation involving multiple Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited aquariums.
Two belugas, Bertie Botts and Frankie, are now settling in at SeaWorld San Antonio in Texas, while Sierra, Acadia, Osiris and Lillooet have arrived at a facility in Chicago.
The whales, part of a pod of 30 belugas formerly housed at Marineland of Canada, faced euthanasia if new homes could not be found after the closed marine park was no longer able to provide their long-term care.
Belugas were transported to the US accompanied by veterinarians specialising in marine mammal medicine and animal care specialists
The belugas were transported by truck and plane in specialised, cold-water containers to aquariums in Chicago and San Antonio, accompanied by veterinarians specialising in marine mammal medicine and animal care specialists.
Receiving facilities, Shedd Aquarium and SeaWorld San Antonio, are working around the clock to care for the rescued whales, provide immediate care and acclimatising them to their new homes.
"This moment marks the next chapter for these rescued belugas,” said Dr Karisa Tang, lead veterinarian and vice president of animal health at Shedd Aquarium.
"Now that they are here, the full attention of our care and veterinary teams is on getting to know these whales and providing whatever supplemental support, treatment and care we can to help them acclimate to their new home."
SeaWorld San Antonio is working around the clock to care for the rescued beluga whales
“The rescue started with the needs of the belugas,” said Dr Chris Dold, chief zoological officer at SeaWorld.
"The plan was built, as much as possible, on understanding their overall health, social bonds and multiple other factors. Our plans naturally evolved as we learned more about the whales, and we will remain adaptive and responsive to the whales’ needs as we work to complete this unprecedented rescue."
The first rescued belugas were moved in sub-pods, formed around pre-existing relationships between the animals, allowing bonded belugas to make the journey together.
As a social species, belugas benefit from social dynamics, which provide comfort during transport and as the animals settle into their new homes.
Rescued whales faced euthanasia if new homes could not be found after Marineland in Canada closed
"Seeing these first beluga whales arrive safely to their new homes is an important milestone, but it's not the finish line," said Steve Aibel, SeaWorld San Antonio’s vice president for animals and conservation, who accompanied the first transport.
"Our team is laser-focused on supporting each whale through this transition with individualised care, patience and observation to ensure their welfare. We're optimistic about what's ahead, while recognising that every animal will adapt on its own timeline."
Additional aquariums are taking in rescued whales from the park, including Georgia Aquarium, SeaWorld San Diego, and Oceanografic Valencia in Spain, pending government authorisations,
Images Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium and SeaWorld San Antonio
