# The Rescue Mission That Moved 4 Beluga Whales to Chicago An international rescue operation successfully relocated the whales to their new home. - **Source:** [Science Latest](https://brifing.si/source/ebc20f22-8d1a-4ae4-ba4c-efcd0853ba19) - **Published:** 2026-07-27 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/cd7b9c2d-9856-41f4-a328-f8abe2f8c763 ## The Relocation Process of Beluga Whales Four beluga whales were transported from Marineland in Niagara Falls to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. This relocation operation was carefully planned to ensure the whales were unaware of the journey. Specially designed water-filled containers and slings were used for their comfort. Lead veterinarian Karisa Tang emphasized that the goal was to minimize the whales' awareness during the move. ## The State of Marineland Marineland, a long-standing aquarium and amusement park, had been facing financial difficulties. After the death of its owners, the park went bankrupt and closed to the public in 2024. Unable to secure sufficient resources for the care of the whales, the park sought assistance from the Canadian government. In 2025, Marineland announced it would consider euthanasia if relocation efforts failed. ## Challenges of the Relocation Operation A chartered Boeing 777 freighter was used to transport the whales from Toronto to Chicago. Water was continuously poured on the whales to ensure their comfort, and their condition was closely monitored. Charlie Jacobsma, the operation director, stated that the transport went smoothly and the whales arrived safely at their new home. ## The Whales' New Home The whales were settled into the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, where they are under 24-hour surveillance by veterinarians and marine biologists. A quiet environment was created to help the whales acclimate, and visitors were asked to keep their voices low. The whales' adjustment process is being closely monitored. ## International Collaboration This operation was carried out through an agreement between the Canadian and U.S. governments. International animal trade regulations were followed, and cooperation between Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the U.S. Department of Agriculture ensured the operation's success. ## The Whales' Social Groups During the relocation, the whales' social groups were taken into account. Their social structures at Marineland were analyzed to determine which whales would be sent to which aquariums. For example, the Shedd Aquarium already housed eight belugas, and detailed assessments were made to ensure the new arrivals would integrate well. ## Criticism and Controversy The operation faced criticism from some quarters, with calls for greater transparency and an end to captive breeding. Fisheries and Oceans Canada stated that the whales could not survive in the wild, while the Shedd Aquarium assured it was providing the highest level of care and was not focused on breeding at the moment. ## The Future of the Whales The whales continue to adjust to their new home. The Shedd Aquarium team reported that the whales are eating regularly and interacting with enrichment toys placed in their habitat. This operation is seen as a significant step in the conservation and care of beluga whales. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.wired.com/story/inside-the-wild-rescue-mission-that-took-4-beluga-whales-to-chicago/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._