World's biggest marine mammal rescue begins in Canada as 30 beluga whales are relocated from shuttered Marineland after euthanasia fears

One of the largest marine mammal rescue operations ever attempted is underway in Canada as experts begin relocating 30 beluga whales from the now-closed Marineland Canada in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The ambitious mission follows fears that the whales could eventually face euthanasia after funding for their care dwindled following the park's closure in 2024. The first six belugas have already been transported to accredited aquariums in the United States after undergoing extensive veterinary assessments. Marine mammal specialists, veterinarians and caretakers are overseeing every stage of the operation, which is expected to continue for several weeks before all 30 whales are safely relocated to new long-term homes.Why the 30 beluga whales are being relocated in CanadaThe rescue operation stems from the closure of Marineland Canada in September 2024 after years of controversy surrounding animal welfare allegations, legal challenges and declining visitor numbers. Although donations initially covered the care of the remaining whales, those funds eventually ran out. In October 2025, Marineland sought financial assistance from the Canadian government, warning it could no longer afford to f...