Earlier this month, a plan was greenlit by the federal government to potentially relocate the 30 beluga whales residing at the now-closed Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ont., to new facilities abroad. Due to a Canadian law passed in 2019 prohibiting the breeding or entertainment use of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, the belugas can’t be transferred to another Canadian aquarium. It is anticipated that the belugas will be dispersed among an aquarium in Spain and four in the United States.
Transporting these marine mammals, which can reach lengths of up to 4.5 meters and weigh over 1,900 kilograms, poses a significant challenge. While specific details from the destination aquariums overseeing the relocation plan are not yet available, insights were gathered from experts experienced in the complex process of whale transportation.
Step 1 involves obtaining necessary permits from both the Canadian government and the recipient countries for the belugas’ relocation. Decisions on each animal’s destination will be influenced by their individual characteristics known to the trainers. Before the journey, the belugas will undergo thorough health assessments, including veterinary evaluations, bloodwork, and other checks.
Although Ottawa has granted initial approval, additional logistical steps and permits are required before the whales can be moved, as stated by Johnny Ford, the vice-president of communications at the potential recipient Shedd Aquarium. The rescue operation details are subject to adjustments based on the specific needs of the belugas.
In Step 2, trainers will familiarize the belugas with the tools used for their transportation over several months. The marine mammals will be lifted from their tank using a specially designed sling and stretcher, requiring patience and positive reinforcement to acclimate them to the equipment.
On the day of travel, the belugas will be hoisted out of the tank using slings and placed into custom transport crates. These crates must offer sufficient space for the animals to move comfortably while ensuring stability during transport. Padding will be included to minimize external noise that could distress the belugas.
The transport crate, carrying the belugas, will be loaded onto a truck and transported to a cargo plane, accompanied by a team of trainers and veterinarians. Throughout the flight, the animals’ well-being, including their breathing, will be closely monitored to ensure their comfort. Pilots may fly at lower altitudes to enhance the belugas’ safety and ease during the journey.
Upon reaching their destination in Step 4, the belugas will be transferred from the transport crates to trucks for the final leg of the journey to their new homes. Quarantine measures will be implemented to verify the belugas’ health status and prevent the spread of any diseases. Trainers may stay to share their insights into the belugas’ behaviors with the new caretakers.
Releasing the belugas into the wild is not a viable option due to geopolitical challenges, especially since many of the belugas originate from Russia. Given that a significant portion of the belugas were raised in captivity and lack the skills for survival in the wild, it would be inhumane to reintroduce them to the ocean. These highly social animals rely on human care and interaction for their well-being and wouldn’t be able to fend for themselves in the wild.
