Seven female belugas arrived at SeaWorld San Antonio after an almost 2,000-mile relocation from Marineland of Canada, bringing the park’s rescued beluga population to nine. The animals traveled in specialized water-filled containers and were monitored by veterinarians throughout the trip. SeaWorld has placed the new arrivals in a private habitat and is tracking feeding, rest and social behavior as part of a cautious, individualized acclimation plan. Thirteen belugas from Marineland have been relocated so far, and additional transfers are expected.
Seven Rescued Belugas Complete Nearly 2,000‑Mile Relocation to SeaWorld San Antonio
Photo Credit: Facebook
Seven female beluga whales — Xena, Gemini, Skyla, Meeka, Eve, Neva and Calypso — have arrived at SeaWorld San Antonio after an almost 2,000-mile transfer from Marineland of Canada in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The move is the largest single transfer to date in the international effort to rehome belugas following Marineland’s 2024 closure.
The animals traveled in specialized, water-filled containers by truck and cargo plane and were monitored by veterinarians and animal-care staff throughout the journey. Upon arrival, SeaWorld moved the whales into a private, nonpublic habitat so teams could carefully monitor each animal’s physical and behavioral adjustment.
Care and Monitoring
SeaWorld said caretakers are watching key indicators of a healthy transition, including appetite, resting behavior and early social interactions. The park emphasized a slow, individualized approach: rather than placing the belugas in public exhibits immediately, staff are allowing each whale time to settle while performing continuous health checks.
Background And Broader Rescue Effort
Marineland closed in 2024 and was unable to provide long-term care for roughly 30 belugas, prompting an international relocation effort. To date, 13 belugas from Marineland have been placed at other facilities and more transfers are expected. SeaWorld San Antonio previously received two males, Frankie and Bertie Botts, in July; those animals are gradually being introduced to trainers and the park’s resident belugas.
"Given this is the largest number of belugas being moved at one time, we are so happy that all went well and the second transport of this huge rescue effort is complete," said Steve Aibel, SeaWorld San Antonio’s vice president of animals and conservation.
Visitors can view some of the recently moved animals through limited behind-the-scenes habitat tours designed to minimize disruption while allowing the public to observe the transition. Officials have not announced a timetable for future transfers or specified how many additional belugas may come to Texas as relocation work continues.
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