Shedd Aquarium Asked to Rehome Belugas as Part of International Rescue Effort

WHAT: Shedd Aquarium is preparing to rescue and rehome up to 10 beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) to its 3-million-gallon, cold-water Abbott Oceanarium as part of an urgent and coordinated international rescue effort. The whales are currently living at Marineland of Canada – a closed marine park in Ontario, Canada that has been cited by the government for animal welfare concerns and is no longer willing or financially capable of supporting their care. 

HOW: Earlier this year, Marineland of Canada and Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums—the country’s zoological accrediting body—asked Shedd and several other aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to investigate a rescue solution for 30 belugas living at the park. After reviewing feasibility and logistics plans, U.S. and Canadian authorities have provided the necessary authorizations for an emergency rescue, recognizing that this move is in the best interest of the belugas’ wellbeing.

WHY: Marineland previously threatened that the whales would be euthanized if long-term solutions were not found. Shedd was sought out because the aquarium is AZA-accredited, has deep experience caring for and rescuing belugas and can provide the appropriate space, specialized habitats and long-term support these animals need. Once the rescued whales arrive safely at Shedd, the belugas will have access to a diverse variety of nutritional seafood items to eat, healthy habitats, clean water and plenty of individualized care.  

WHEN: The complexity and scale of this rescue cannot be understated. As such, details are subject to change based on the needs of the animals. While rescue efforts are expected to begin in the next few weeks, exact timelines cannot be confirmed.

WHO: Additional facilities that will take in animals as part of this emergency rescue include Georgia Aquarium, Oceanografic Valencia, SeaWorld San Antonio and SeaWorld San Diego. Mystic Aquarium, while not taking in any Marineland belugas, has also committed to supporting the rescue. This collective has deep experience both caring for and rescuing belugas in need.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: https://www.sheddaquarium.org/beluga-rescue-care-and-wellbeing.

VISUALS: Find high-resolution photos and broadcast quality video of the belugas at Shedd here: https://personal.filesanywhere.com/guest/fs?v=8e71658f5f6470aa9d69&C=50.
Photo Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez
B-Roll Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium/Samuel RC Elia
Interview Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium