Transported in cold-water containers by truck and plane
Six beluga whales from the closed Marineland of Canada park have arrived at aquariums in the United States after being moved from a facility that could no longer care for the mammals, the BBC reported on July 22.
Four belugas — Sierra, Acadia, Osiris and Lillooet — arrived at a Chicago facility, while two whales named Bertie Botts and Frankie arrived at SeaWorld in San Antonio, Texas. The animals were transported in specialized cold-water containers by truck and plane, with marine mammal veterinarians accompanying them throughout the journey.
The move follows months of planning and veterinary checks for the animals, according to the BBC. The six whales are part of a larger pod of 30 belugas living at Marineland of Canada that need to be rehomed.
The BBC reported that the relocation is the first stage of an unprecedented international relocation effort. Specialist teams are now monitoring the six whales as they settle into their new homes.