Belugas and dolphins rescued from Canada’s Marineland arrive in Spain

Two beluga whales and four dolphins were transferred from Canada’s former Marineland to an aquarium in eastern Spain as part of a coordinated international rescue effort. The move, completed in the past week, is the fifth major animal relocation from the marine park, which closed more than a year ago following a series of animal‑welfare investigations.

The six marine mammals were relocated to the Port Aventura Aquarium, located in the Costa Daurada region of Spain. The aquarium’s director said the facility has the capacity to meet the animals’ specialised care needs, including a large saltwater tank and veterinary support staff experienced with cetacean health. The transfer was carried out by a specialised marine‑animal transport team that coordinated with Canadian wildlife authorities, Spanish customs, and the aquarium’s logistics department to ensure a safe journey.

Marineland, a privately owned attraction in Ontario, Canada, opened in 1959 and had been a popular destination for tourists and marine‑themed shows. In 2022, a federal inquiry found that the park had failed to meet required standards for the care of its marine mammals, leading to the revocation of its licence. The park closed its doors in March 2023, and the Canadian government took custody of the animals. Since then, authorities have organised a series of transfers to ensure that each animal receives appropriate housing and care.

The most recent relocation follows earlier moves that took place in 2024. Two bottlenose dolphins were transferred to the Oceanographic Institute in Madrid in February, while a pair of belugas were moved to a marine reserve in Norway in March. A group of orcas was relocated to a facility in the United Kingdom in April. These transfers have been part of a broader international effort to provide long‑term homes for the animals that were housed at Marineland.

The six animals were transported in a custom‑built, climate‑controlled vessel equipped with filtration and monitoring systems to maintain water quality and temperature. The journey lasted approximately 48 hours, during which the animals were monitored by marine veterinarians and marine biologists. The transport team reported that all animals remained calm and healthy throughout the trip.

The Spanish aquarium will provide the animals with a habitat that meets international standards for cetacean welfare. The facility will offer a 1,500‑cubic‑meter tank, a dedicated veterinary clinic, and enrichment programmes designed to stimulate natural behaviours. The aquarium has already begun preparing the enclosure and has scheduled a veterinary assessment to be completed within the next week.

The transfer has been welcomed by animal‑welfare groups in both Canada and Spain. The Canadian Wildlife Service said the relocation was a “positive step toward ensuring the long‑term wellbeing of the animals.” In Spain, the Ministry of Environment and Rural Affairs confirmed that the move complies with European Union regulations on the transport and housing of marine mammals.

The international cooperation involved in the relocation illustrates the growing trend of cross‑border rescue operations for marine mammals. Experts say that the complex logistics—ranging from legal clearances to specialised transport—are essential to minimise stress and health risks during such moves. The success of this operation is expected to inform future transfers of marine animals from facilities that fail to meet welfare standards.

As the animals settle into their new environment, the aquarium will provide regular updates on their health and behaviour. The transfer marks a significant milestone in the effort to rehabilitate marine mammals that have been subjected to substandard conditions. The animals’ new home in Spain is expected to offer them a safer and more natural living environment, allowing them to thrive in the years ahead.