Relocation of Beluga Whales from Canada to U.S. Aquariums

By July 22, 2026, two beluga whales found a new home in Texas. These whales, Bertie Bott and Frankie, were relocated from a closed Canadian theme park to SeaWorld San Antonio. They traveled over 1,500 miles from Niagara Falls, Ontario, to their new environment, a 2-million-gallon saltwater pool.

The relocation mission also included four additional belugas moved to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. This effort is part of a larger plan to transfer 28 whales to various U.S. aquariums.

Steve Aible, vice president of zoological operations at SeaWorld San Antonio, expressed joy in seeing the whales in their new habitat. Aible, along with nine other caretakers, accompanied the whales during their move from Marineland. The trip involved transportation on flat-bed trucks and a cargo plane.

Aible shared his thoughts during the journey: “Who would ever think that you’ve got a chance to fly with a whale?”

Specialized marine mammal veterinarians were present to ensure the health of the belugas throughout the trip. Marineland, closed since 2024, lacked resources to care for the animals, leading to the relocation plan. Without a plan, the park would have faced the difficult possibility of euthanizing the whales.

In July, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration approved the relocation, noting the necessity for medical treatments unavailable in Canada. Bertie and Frankie have been adapting well, showing active behavior and a healthy appetite.

Aible highlighted the improved environment at SeaWorld compared to the defunct theme park. Caretakers will conduct regular medical assessments before integrating the whales with eight others in San Antonio.

SeaWorld plans to receive 11 more whales from Marineland. Other whales will be sent to facilities in Georgia, Chicago, San Diego, and Spain.

Aible looks forward to sharing the whales with visitors: “Tens of thousands of people are going to be able to enjoy these animals.”