When a private Canadian marine park can no longer support its marine mammals, six beluga whales were relocated to U.S. aquariums in a coordinated effort involving specialized transport and veterinary oversight.
The whales, including Sierra, Acadia, Osiris, Lillooet, Bertie Botts and Frankie, arrived in Chicago and SeaWorld San Antonio following a rigorous month long planning process.
They were shipped in refrigerated containers by truck and plane, with marine mammal experts accompanying each leg of the journey.
This relocation marks the first step of an unprecedented international effort to ensure the welfare of a pod of 30 belugas tied to a defunct facility.
The move underscores the growing need for alternative habitats for marine wildlife as climate change and regulatory pressures challenge traditional marine parks worldwide.
