US and Canada approve move of 30 belugas from closed Ontario Park

Toronto: The US and Canadian governments have approved the transfer of 30 beluga whales stranded for years at Marineland in Ontario, which closed amid controversy over marine mammal captivity.

With no funds to care for them, Marineland had warned it might euthanize the whales without approval to relocate them.

Under the plan, 28 belugas will go to 4 US aquariums — Georgia Aquarium, Shedd Aquarium, SeaWorld San Diego and SeaWorld San Antonio. The final 2 are pending permits to move to Oceanogràfic València in Spain.

Both NOAA and Fisheries and Oceans Canada have issued CITES permits required for the cross-border move.

Veterinarians will first clear the whales for travel. Aquarium experts will then accompany them to new facilities with specialized care, medical support, and guaranteed water quality.