SAN ANTONIO — Seven rescued beluga whales arrived Wednesday at SeaWorld San Antonio after traveling nearly 2,000 miles from Canada, marking another major step in an international effort to relocate dozens of whales from a marine park that is closing.
The latest arrivals are seven female belugas that were moved from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, where officials said the park could no longer provide long-term care for the animals.
Given this is the largest number of belugas being moved at one time, we are so happy that all went well and the second transport of this huge rescue effort is complete,” said Steve Aibel, Vice President, Animals and Conservation for SeaWorld San Antonio, who accompanied both transports. “All seven female belugas are now at SeaWorld San Antonio. They are receiving veterinary care, nutrition and attention as they acclimate to their new environment.
Their arrival follows the relocation of two male belugas, Frankie and Bertie Botts, who reached SeaWorld San Antonio on July 21.
In all, SeaWorld is helping relocate 30 beluga whales in what animal care experts describe as the largest transfer of belugas ever attempted.
The whales traveled by truck and plane in specially designed, water-filled transport containers. Veterinarians and animal care specialists accompanied them throughout the trip to monitor their health.
The newest arrivals — Xena, Gemini, Skyla, Meeka, Eve, Neva and Calypso — are settling into a private habitat that is not open to the public. Animal care teams are closely monitoring each whale as it adjusts to its new surroundings, paying close attention to eating habits, rest and social behavior before introducing them to other whales.
SeaWorld says the two males that arrived last month are adapting well. Frankie and Bertie Botts have begun getting to know their trainers and are gradually being introduced to the park’s existing beluga population.
SeaWorld San Antonio has cared for beluga whales for more than four decades and says it has helped rescue more than 43,000 marine animals through its rescue and rehabilitation programs.