Canada’s Last Captive Whales Have Left Marineland, but Their Care Story Is Not Over
Photo via Buffalo Toronto Public Media
Canada’s last six captive belugas left Marineland on August 31, completing a larger relocation that moved 30 belugas and four dolphins to aquariums in the United States and Spain. Yukon and Gimli arrived at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago on September 1, while Tofino, Tank, Odin and Orion went to SeaWorld San Antonio.
With the Marineland animals gone, no captive whales are known to remain in Canada. However, the story is far from over as several recently relocated belugas continue to face health concerns.
The Final Six Have Reached Their New Homes
Shedd Aquarium said Yukon, 8, and Gimli, 7, arrived safely on September 1 during the third and final transport to Chicago. Four other belugas — Tofino, Tank, Odin and Orion — moved to SeaWorld San Antonio, completing the broader relocation from Marineland.
In total, the operation moved animals to five receiving institutions. Georgia Aquarium says 16 belugas went to SeaWorld San Diego and SeaWorld San Antonio, 10 went to Shedd Aquarium, and two went to Georgia Aquarium. Another two belugas and four dolphins moved to Oceanogràfic València in Spain.
The full relocation ended on September 1 after six transports over six weeks. Marineland had remained closed and nonoperational for nearly two years and was facing serious financial pressure when officials finalized the rescue plan.
Federal briefing material from January recorded Marineland warning that the remaining belugas and dolphins could face euthanasia if exports did not proceed. Previously, the federal Fisheries Minister rejected a request to send 30 belugas to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China because the destination had not agreed to a no-breeding condition.
In January 2026, Ottawa conditionally approved exports to U.S. facilities. The approvals required veterinary assessments, destination information and transport plans.
The Medical Story Is Still Developing
Photo via Shedd Aquarium
Peekachu, a 23-year-old beluga transferred from Marineland to Shedd, died on August 25. Her care team had been providing medicine and fluids after bloodwork raised concerns about dehydration.
Shedd announced her death the following day and said a necropsy could provide more information about her health and possible cause of death. Then, on September 2, the aquarium announced the deaths of Rain, a 20-year-old beluga relocated from Marineland, and Beethoven, a 34-year-old longtime Shedd resident.
That distinction is important because only Peekachu and Rain were part of the Marineland rescue. Shedd has not announced final causes of death and said necropsies, blood tests and other examinations remain underway.
In a September 4 update, Shedd said several surviving rescued belugas had shown clinical concerns. The aquarium also said the animals had not yet reached the health condition staff wanted to see, so care teams continue to monitor them closely and adjust treatment daily.
What Readers Should Watch Next
Photo by Brenna Hernandez
The next major updates are expected to include necropsy findings and longer-term health reports. Shedd has said it will share what it learns from the recent deaths, while the receiving aquariums continue monitoring the animals as they settle into their new environments.
The relocation removed Marineland’s remaining whales and dolphins from Canada. However, the animals remain in managed care elsewhere, and their health and long-term acclimation will continue to shape the story in the months ahead.
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