Why the Marineland Beluga Relocation is Capturing Global Attention

Relocations for the first of dozens of beluga whales that remained at the now-shuttered Marineland Canada have begun, according to the aquariums assisting in the rescue.

Marineland Canada, located in Niagara Falls, Ontario, closed in September 2024 in the wake of controversy and allegations of animal abuse, CBC reported. Thirty beluga whales remained at the facility -- their care funded by donations. But once those donations ran out, their caretakers worried that euthanasia might be imminent -- asking the Canadian government in October 2025 for funds to feed the marine mammals.

On Monday, six of the beluga whales began their journey to their new home, according to several Association of Zoos & Aquariums-accredited aquariums that are collaborating in the rescue.