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Beluga Rescue Updates & Stories

We’re keeping you close to the latest news, updates and stories about the newest belugas at Shedd and their journeys of rescue, care and wellbeing. Follow along here for more about their arrivals, how they’re adjusting to life at Shedd and more!

July 21, 2026

Workers in hard hats and reflective vests and a trainer in a Shedd Aquarium wetsuit work at getting a beluga whale snugged into a fabric carrier hammock suspended in a wheeled cart for its move into the Shedd building.

An Update on The First Transport and What We’re Watching For

“We’re excited that Acadia, Osiris, Sierra and Lillooet safely arrived at Shedd early this morning and are settling in together. Our team was with them on the journey from Canada, and we’ll be on-site at Shedd 24/7 to monitor them and provide the care, attention, treatment and nutrition they need.

As with any of our animals, the best indicator of wellbeing is individual and social behavior. We are watching closely for the rescued belugas to eat well, socialize with one another and investigate the habitat, which are positive signs. We are cautiously optimistic as we start to see some of those initial indicators, and our dedicated team will continue to monitor throughout this process to acclimatize the belugas to their new home, caretakers and pod.” – Charlie Jacobsma, director of animal behavior and training