The first group of Marineland beluga whales that have been at the permanently closed theme park and zoo in Niagara Falls, Ont., have begun their journey to their new homes in the U.S.
Six belugas are being moved in a process that began Monday.
The transport plan could see up to 30 of the remaining whales at the former park rehomed to U.S.
aquariums over the next few weeks.
A statement from the office of Canadian Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson confirmed the start of the relocation efforts.
“The first wave of the rescue mission at Marineland is underway," it said.
"The rescue operation is being led by a consortium of accredited aquariums, and they will be sharing details as it progresses." How to move a beluga across the world Thompson also thanked veterinarians at the site of the relocation efforts and "all organizations leading the work to ensure they are transported safely.” Belugas can grow up to a length of 4.5 metres or more and weigh as much as 1,900 kilograms, so the operation was a delicate one involving special hoists, cranes, several transport trucks and more than two dozen workers.
Earlier Monday, CBC News also contacted Marineland, but a spokesperson said at the time that they were "unable to confirm any details regarding the move at this time.” Johnny Ford, spokesperson for the collective of U.S.
aquariums involved in the rescue confirmed in an email that the whales would be leaving Canada on one plane.
And that that four of the belugas — Sierra, Acadia, Osiris and Lillooet — are destined to arrive at the Chicago facility, while Bertie Botts and Frankie are set to go to SeaWorld in San Antonio, Texas.
The convoy of transport trucks were seen travelling from Niagara Falls to Toronto Pearson airport on Monday evening.
On Monday afternoon, a CBC reporter observed four Paddock Transport International trucks, two DeSantis Crane Service....
