Beluga whales arrive in Chicago after emergency rescue from Ontario Park

Chicago: Four beluga whales have safely arrived at Shedd Aquarium after an emergency airlift from the closed Marineland park in Ontario.

Canadian and US authorities approved the move of 30 whales last week. Photos show the belugas lifted on cloth gurneys, loaded into cold-water tanks, and flown via a Qatar Airways Boeing 777 cargo plane to O’Hare before transfer to Shedd.

Marineland was shut down after years of abuse allegations and said it could no longer care for the whales. The animals are too long in captivity to be released.

NOAA and Fisheries and Oceans Canada approved permits for 28 whales to go to 4 US aquariums. The other 2 are pending approval for Oceanogràfic València in Spain.

The 4 females at Shedd, aged 21 to 27, were moved together as a bonded “sub pod.” Staff say they’re monitoring eating, socializing and exploration as signs the whales are settling in.

“This moment marks the next chapter for these rescued belugas,” said Dr. Karisa Tang of Shedd.

The Georgia Aquarium and two SeaWorld parks are preparing for more arrivals.