One of the beluga whales, transported from Niagara Falls, Ont. via truck and plane, arrives in San Antonio this week. Photo: SeaWorld
A new video shows the highly coordinated effort needed to transport seven beluga whales through Toronto Pearson Airport.
The whales were moved from Marineland, which closed in 2024 as it looks to sell its sprawling property in Niagara Falls. The park has said it is running out of money and can no longer care for the whales.
Earlier this week, Marineland said it had begun the second phase of its whale relocation plan, just weeks after successfully transferring six belugas to Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and SeaWorld in San Antonio.
The whales shipped Monday — female belugas named Xena, Gemini, Skyla, Meeka, Eve, Neva and Calypso — were all going to SeaWorld’s San Antonio location.
Today, Pearson Airport officials shared a video, shot on Monday, Aug. 3, of the “carefully coordinated journey” moving the whales through Canada’s largest airport.
“The trucks arrive at Toronto Pearson carrying seven beluga whales, each safely secured in a specialized, temperature-controlled transport units,” the post reads. “One by one, the transport units are carefully transferred onto a high-loader before being gently lifted into a dedicated cargo aircraft.”
One of Marineland’s advisers has called the transport of the whales — a process involving custom slings, dozens of people and ongoing international collaboration — “unprecedented.”
“Every movement is meticulously choreographed, with veterinarians and animal care specialists monitoring the whales throughout the journey to ensure their well-being,” the airport said.
From wheels down to wheels up, Toronto Pearson’s teams worked alongside partners to support the “extraordinary international rescue mission,” coordinated by Intradco Global on behalf of a collective of AZA-accredited aquariums, the airport said.
“We’re proud to have played a role in the rescue of these remarkable animals,” Pearson officials said.
It appears the move went well.
On Wednesday, SeaWorld said the San Antonio location welcomed the seven additional rescued beluga whales.
“We are so happy that all went well and the second and largest transport of this huge rescue effort is complete,” SeaWorld said. “All seven female belugas are receiving veterinary care, nutrition and attention as they acclimate to their new environment.”
The whales were moved in specialized, water-filled transport units by truck and plane from the park in Niagara Falls, SeaWorld said.
“Caretakers are letting each whale adjust at her own pace, watching closely for signs that they are eating well, resting comfortably, and beginning to interact with one another and their new surroundings,” the park officials said. “A big thank you to all of the veterinarian, animal care specialists and logistics coordinators who helped make this huge move successful!”
What does it take to safely fly seven beluga whales across North America?
A carefully coordinated journey moving through Canada’s largest airport.
The trucks arrive at Toronto Pearson carrying seven beluga whales, each safely secured in a specialized, temperature-controlled… pic.twitter.com/gYbl9IxAw5
— Toronto Pearson (@TorontoPearson) August 7, 2026
With files from the Canadian Press
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