7 More Beluga Whales Arrive in Texas: A Major Milestone in Wildlife Relocation
Wertynews.com – SeaWorld San Antonio has welcomed 7 more beluga whales arrive in Texas, marking another significant chapter in the international effort to relocate these magnificent Arctic mammals. The seven females—Xena, Gemini, Skyla, Meeka, Eve, Neva, and Calypso—completed their journey from Marineland in Ontario, Canada, and are now settling into their new home. This arrival represents the second group to leave the shuttered Canadian theme park and stands as the largest beluga whale transfer ever completed in the United States.
Acclimation and Care for the New Arrivals
The whales are currently acclimating to their new environment in a private habitat away from public view. According to Steve Aibel, SeaWorld San Antonio’s vice president of zoological operations, the animals are receiving comprehensive veterinary care, nutrition, and attention as they adjust to their new surroundings. “We are so happy that all went well and the second transport of this huge rescue effort is complete,” Aibel shared with reporters.
Each of the seven whales weighs more than 1,200 pounds and required specialized transport units filled with water for their journey. The expedition involved flatbed truck rides and a cargo plane flight, demonstrating the logistical complexity of moving such large marine mammals across continents. Aibel himself joined the whales on their journey, ensuring their safety and comfort throughout the trip.
Context: The Marineland Relocation Crisis
Marineland closed to the public in 2024 but retained possession of its beluga whales. The facility announced that without a relocation plan or additional funding, it would have no choice but to euthanize the animals. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued relocation approvals in July, confirming that “there are no other facilities in Canada that are able to provide the whales husbandry or medical care.”
The current group joins Frankie and Bertie Botts, two males who completed the same nearly 2,000-mile journey from Niagara Falls to San Antonio during the first relocation last month. Four additional whales from that initial transport were brought to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. According to SeaWorld caretakers, the two males are adjusting well and are slowly being introduced to the existing whales at the park.
What Comes Next for the Remaining Whales
Seventeen whales remain at Marineland and are expected to be moved to aquariums in Georgia, Chicago, San Diego, and Spain. While officials have not yet announced a specific timeline for these future relocations, the effort continues to gain momentum. The successful arrival of 7 more beluga whales arrive in Texas provides hope that this international rescue operation will continue to expand.
The relocation effort highlights the growing recognition of marine mammal welfare and the importance of cross-border cooperation in animal conservation. SeaWorld San Antonio has prepared extensive facilities to accommodate the incoming whales, ensuring they receive the same level of care they would have received at Marineland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many beluga whales are being relocated from Marineland? A: A total of 24 beluga whales are being relocated from Marineland to various aquariums across North America and Spain.
Q: Why were the beluga whales relocated? A: Marineland closed in 2024 and lacked the resources to continue caring for the whales. NOAA confirmed that no other Canadian facilities could provide adequate husbandry or medical care.
Q: Where are the relocated beluga whales going? A: The whales are being sent to aquariums in San Antonio, Chicago, Georgia, San Diego, and Spain, depending on the transport group.
Q: What makes this the largest beluga transfer in U.S. history? A: The recent arrival of seven whales represents the single largest group of beluga whales transferred together in the United States.
