Activism & Animals Active Updated Aug 8, 2026
Marineland's beluga transfers
Marineland, the shuttered Ontario roadside zoo, began shipping its remaining belugas to US aquariums after Canada approved emergency transfer for 28 of the whales, with their health status undisclosed. Three of five belugas Marineland exported to Mystic Aquarium in 2021 later died once the facility found pre-existing health conditions, and Animal Justice says Canadian law requires a public no-breeding guarantee that has not been confirmed for the whales now moving.
The story so far
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Aug 8, 2026 Latest
Thirteen belugas have reached the US since July 21, six to Shedd Aquarium and seven to SeaWorld San Antonio, out of 28 Canada approved for transfer. Marine mammal biologist Naomi Rose said the longer transfers to Spain and California are unnecessarily stressful for animals none of whom are fully well.
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Aug 7, 2026
SeaWorld San Antonio took in seven more Marineland belugas this week, bringing to 9 of the 30 approved for transfer the number now at that facility. Animal Justice lawyer Alexandra Pester called on SeaWorld to rule out breeding them, noting that 19 belugas, an orca and a dolphin have died at Marineland since 2019.
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Jul 29, 2026
Marineland shipped six belugas to Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and SeaWorld San Antonio this week, with more transfers due to follow to facilities in San Diego, Georgia and Spain. Animal Justice said it is incredibly disappointing that likely none of Marineland's survivors will ever experience life in the ocean.
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Jul 21, 2026
Marineland began shipping six belugas to Shedd Aquarium, Georgia Aquarium, SeaWorld and Oceanogràfic València, after Canada approved emergency transfer for 28 of Marineland's whales though their health status was not disclosed. Three of five belugas Marineland exported to Mystic Aquarium in 2021 later died after the facility found pre-existing health conditions.
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