Whales airlifted to new US homes after former marine park closed down

A group of six beluga whales that were rescued from a closed-down marine park in Canada have been transported to their new homes in the US.

Thirty whales were saved from Marineland, a theme park and zoo in Niagara Falls, which closed in 2024 after it could no longer care for the mammals.

Acadia, Lillooet, Osiris and Sierra arrived safely at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium on Tuesday (21 July), while Bertie Botts and Frankie were relocated to SeaWorld in San Antonio, Texas.

Footage shows the mammals being airlifted to safety with heavy-duty cranes as they began their journeys.

They are the first group of the rescued 30 beluga whales to be evacuated.

The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking news brand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. We have grown a huge, global readership of independently minded individuals, who value our trusted voice and commitment to positive change. Our mission, making change happen, has never been as important as it is today.