A monumental marine mission is underway—an operation that’s truly a whale of a task.
Kicking off Monday, animal rescue teams began the formidable task of relocating nearly 36 belugas from a now-closed Canadian theme park to new sanctuaries in the United States.
Images emerging from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, on Monday capture the much-anticipated rescue operation, which appears to be progressing smoothly.
These graceful sea-dwelling “canaries” —some tipping the scales at a hefty 3,500 pounds—were observed gracefully being raised from their enclosures using large slings and a robust crane.
Among the whales was Sierra, a beluga who seemed unfazed by the adventure as she was transported away by truck.
Sierra is expected to be joined by Acadia, Osiris and Lilooet at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, CBC reported, while belugas Bertie Botts and Frankie are destined to be flown out to SeaWorld in San Antonio, Texas.
Canadian officials confirmed that Monday was the beginning of relocation efforts for all thirty of the whales.
“The first wave of the rescue mission at Marineland is underway,” Canadian Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson said.
The whale’s home at Marineland had shuttered after the death of the zoo’s owners John Holer and Marie Holer in 2024, according to CBC.
Though staff continued to care for the sea creatures, the outlet reported the whales’ fate was in the balance for some time, with the belugas living under the threat of euthanasia if a suitable home wasn’t found.
But authorities in Canada came to agreements with the US and Spain over moving the whales earlier last month, saving the creatures’ lives and giving them a new home.