Ottawa has approved a plan to relocate Marineland’s remaining belugas from Niagara Falls to five marine parks, including Oceanogràfic Valencia in Spain and four facilities in the United States (Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, and two SeaWorld locations in San Diego and San Antonio).

The relocation would also involve moving dolphins, with Mystic Aquarium (Connecticut) assisting as a former Marineland recipient, and all animals split among the five destinations.

Regulators require health assessments and export/import permits from the U.S. and Spain, with final export approvals issued closer to transport after veterinary checks confirm travel fitness.

Final export permits hinge on comprehensive health checks, and the federal government would issue permits nearer to the move.

Past relocation attempts, including a rejected deal with Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, heightened concerns about welfare and the possibility of euthanization if relocation fails, fueling calls for humane transfer.

Since Marineland’s 2024 closure and the owners’ deaths, the belugas have been cared for by staff at the shuttered facility, with the estate planning to sell the property tied to relocating the animals.

Canada’s government has not yet decided whether taxpayer funding will support the relocation.

Belugas faced potential euthanasia after Marineland sought to export them to China, a move rejected by Ottawa last fall.

Marineland characterizes relocation as the top priority and a complex, safety-focused operation, noting that it may involve public funding.

Since 2019, Marineland has lost twenty whales (nineteen belugas and one killer whale), according to provincial data and statements.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is coordinating with the Canada Border Services Agency and Health Canada to secure CITES permits and ensure a safe, timely move, with additional permits issued as needed.