The final rescued beluga whales have arrived safely at aquariums in the US, marking the successful conclusion of an urgent and unprecedented effort to relocate the animals from Marineland in Canada.
In total, 30 beluga whales and four Black Sea dolphins have been moved from Marineland to several AZA-accredited aquariums in just weeks.
These are SeaWorld San Antonio, SeaWorld San Diego, Georgia Aquarium, Shedd Aquarium, Mystic Aquarium, and Oceanografic Valencia in Spain.
A total of six rescue transports took place over a six-week timeframe, with the animals moved in a particular order and in specific groups due to their pre-existing social bonds.
The final beluga whales have arrived safely at aquariums in the US after an urgent rescue effort
"The scale of this rescue was unlike any other we have ever been a part of," said Chris Dold, chief zoological officer at United Parks & Resorts, SeaWorld's owner and operator.
"The rescues simply would not have been possible if we did not have all of the accredited aquariums working in lockstep to ensure the safety of each individual animal and each other."
The latest relocation involved six beluga whales, including four males called Odin, Tank, Orion and Tofino – the biggest whales moved since the rescue effort started.
Allison Tuttle, chief zoological officer at Mystic Aquarium, said: "No one is better suited to safely move dolphins and whales than this group of accredited aquariums."
"It is our combination of deep knowledge of the species and previous transport success that resulted in such safe and seamless rescues for these animals, who needed an immediate solution."
As the rescued whales and dolphins continue to acclimate in their new homes, the aquariums will stay in close contact and share insights with each other.
"Helping these animals to settle in comfortably and safely to their new surroundings takes time, patience and trust," said Karisa Tang, vice president of animal health at Shedd Aquarium.
"We will continue to provide all the possible care they may require as we learn more about them over the coming weeks to months."
Eric Gaglione, vice president of zoological operations at Georgia Aquarium, added: "The rescue plan we developed was focused on animal wellbeing in every way."
