SeaWorld Joins International Effort to Rehome 30 Beluga Whales

Overview

• NOAA granted an emergency import authorization earlier in July that would allow 28 belugas to move to U.S. facilities while two are expected to go to Oceanogràfic València in Spain.
• Under the current plan U.S.-bound whales would be split between SeaWorld San Antonio (13), Shedd Aquarium in Chicago (10), SeaWorld San Diego (3) and Georgia Aquarium (2).
• Organizers say the phased operation will require veterinary teams, custom transport equipment, aircraft and weeks of on-site health checks before any international transfers occur.
• Marineland has acknowledged it can no longer provide long-term care and warned the whales could face euthanasia if a solution was not found, which prompted the emergency rescue effort.
• Advocates led by Animal Justice are pressing Canadian officials to attach conditions to any export permits to bar breeding or use in performances and to pursue sanctuary options for long-term care.