SAN ANTONIO (August 5, 2026), SeaWorld San Antonio welcomed seven rescued beluga whales, following a nearly 2,000 mile journey, as part of an urgent, unprecedented international effort to relocate 30 belugas from a closed marine park in Canada that can no longer support their care. They join two rescued male belugas who arrived on July 21 as part of the first transport.
“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.”
SeaWorld partnered with several other Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited organizations to help rescue the whales. SeaWorld is proud to work in collaboration with Shedd Aquarium, Georgia Aquarium, Mystic Aquarium and Oceanogràfic Valéncia on this historic rescue effort.
Veterinarians and animal care specialists accompanied the belugas on their journey to San Antonio. The whales were moved in specialized, water-filled transport units by truck and plane from the park in Niagara Falls to SeaWorld San Antonio.
Meet the New Arrivals
The seven female whales who were chosen to move together in a sub-pod are: Xena, Gemini, Skyla, Meeka, Eve, Neva and Calypso.
The whales are currently housed in a private habitat away from public view while animal care staff focus on their transition. 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.
Frankie and Bertie Botts, the two male belugas who arrived three weeks ago from Canada, are doing well. They are getting to know their trainers and, at their own pace, are being socialized with the existing belugas at SeaWorld San Antonio.
For more than 40 years, SeaWorld has cared for beluga whales, building extensive expertise in animal care, veterinary medicine, behavioral research, and rescue response. SeaWorld operates one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the United States, having assisted more than 43,000 animals over its history.
The accredited collective of participating organizations will continue to coordinate future rescue efforts for the remaining whales, applying learnings from this transport to future moves. Details and timelines for additional rescues will be shaped by the needs of the animals and are not expected to be shared in advance.
About SeaWorld
SeaWorld is a leading marine life theme park and accredited zoo and aquarium that provides experiences that matter while educating and inspiring guests of all ages to care about marine life. Welcoming millions of guests every year, the parks offer fun and enriching experiences from up-close animal encounters and year-round educational programs to award-winning marine-life-themed rides and attractions, special events, and exciting entertainment. For more than 60 years SeaWorld has advanced the conservation of marine life in and outside its parks through science, education, and exceptional animal care that is Humane Certified by American Humane and accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. SeaWorld is one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world, helping more than 43,000 animals to date. The SeaWorld Conservation Fund, a non-profit foundation established in 2003, has provided more than $20 million to nearly 1,400 organizations to advance critical research on every continent. A portion of park proceeds goes toward supporting these longstanding conservation commitments. SeaWorld parks are in Orlando, San Antonio, San Diego, and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). SeaWorld is part of the United Parks & Resorts Inc. (NYSE: PRKS) portfolio of theme park brands. For more information, visit us at SeaWorld.com.
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