SeaWorld San Antonio has welcomed seven rescued beluga whales as part of an urgent and unprecedented effort to relocate the animals from Marineland in Canada.
The seven whales join two rescued male belugas who arrived at SeaWorld San Antonio on 21 July as part of the first transport, which included the relocation of four additional whales to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.
"Given this is the largest number of belugas being moved at one time, we are so happy that all went well and the second transport of this huge rescue effort is complete,” said Steve Aibel, vice president of animals and conservation at SeaWorld San Antonio, who accompanied both transports.
"All seven female belugas are now at SeaWorld San Antonio. They are receiving veterinary care, nutrition and attention as they acclimate to their new environment.”
The seven female whales who were chosen to move together in a sub-pod are called Xena, Gemini, Skyla, Meeka, Eve, Neva and Calypso.
They are currently housed in a private habitat away from public view while SeaWorld's animal care staff focus on their transition.
Frankie and Bertie Botts, the two male belugas who arrived three weeks ago, are doing well, SeaWorld San Antonio said.
SeaWorld San Antonio has welcomed seven rescued beluga whales from Marineland in Canada
They are getting to know their trainers and being introduced to the existing belugas at the park at their own pace.
SeaWorld has partnered with several other AZA-accredited organisations to help rescue the whales, including the Shedd Aquarium, Georgia Aquarium, Mystic Aquarium and Oceanogràfic Valéncia.
The collective of participating organisations will continue to coordinate future rescue efforts for the remaining beluga whales, part of a pod of 30 belugas formerly housed at Marineland that faced euthanasia if new homes could not be found.
Images courtesy of SeaWorld
