Beluga whales and dolphins moved from Canada’s Marineland to Spanish aquarium

Two beluga whales and four dolphins that had been housed at Canada’s Marineland in Ontario were transferred to a marine aquarium in Spain, according to a statement released by the facility’s management. The animals were moved as part of a planned program to relocate marine mammals to more suitable long‑term care environments. The Spanish aquarium, located in the coastal city of Valencia, has the capacity to provide the specialized enclosures and veterinary support required for these large cetaceans.

The transfer was carried out under strict veterinary supervision, with the animals transported in climate‑controlled containers and monitored throughout the journey. Marineland officials noted that the decision was driven by a combination of factors, including the aging infrastructure of the Canadian facility and the aquarium’s commitment to conservation and rehabilitation. The Spanish institution will house the belugas and dolphins in state‑of‑the‑art tanks designed to mimic their natural habitats, and will collaborate with marine biologists to ensure their health and well‑being.

The relocation is expected to enhance the welfare of the animals and provide them with a more appropriate environment for their species. Both Marineland and the Spanish aquarium have pledged to maintain open communication regarding the animals’ progress and to share research findings that could benefit broader marine conservation efforts.