Marineland in Niagara Falls has begun a second phase of beluga relocation, sending seven female whales to SeaWorld in San Antonio as the shuttered park continues efforts to remove its cetaceans from the property. The move comes weeks after an earlier transfer that saw six belugas go to Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and SeaWorld in San Antonio.
Who is being moved and where
Marineland confirmed the seven animals transported on Monday are named Xena, Gemini, Skyla, Meeka, Eve, Neva and Calypso. The park said all seven were destined for SeaWorld's San Antonio location. Marineland described the transfer as part of a planned, staged relocation of its whale collection.
| Beluga | Destination |
|---|---|
| Xena | SeaWorld — San Antonio |
| Gemini | SeaWorld — San Antonio |
| Skyla | SeaWorld — San Antonio |
| Meeka | SeaWorld — San Antonio |
| Eve | SeaWorld — San Antonio |
| Neva | SeaWorld — San Antonio |
| Calypso | SeaWorld — San Antonio |
How the relocations are being carried out
Marineland said the transfers involve a large, coordinated operation that includes custom slings, trucks and teams of animal care experts. The park emphasised that the health, safety and well-being of the whales remained a priority throughout the journey. An adviser to Marineland described the sequence of moves as an intense, collaborative effort involving experts from several facilities.
“Unprecedented,” an adviser called the process, which has involved custom equipment and international collaboration.
Local context and consequences
Marineland has been closed to the public since 2024 while it seeks a buyer for the site adjacent to the city’s famous Horseshoe Falls. The park has said it is running out of funds and can no longer provide ongoing care for its whales and dolphins, which prompted the relocation plan.
Earlier this summer a first group of six belugas were moved to facilities in the United States. Marineland also previously tried to relocate animals to an aquarium in China; that plan was blocked by the federal fisheries minister. The current transfers continue a process that will significantly change the presence of large marine mammals at the Niagara Falls attraction and may affect the future use and value of the property.
- Animal welfare: The transfers are framed by Marineland as necessary for the animals’ care given the park’s financial constraints.
- Community impact: The loss of belugas from the site alters a long-standing tourist draw for Niagara Falls and could influence redevelopment plans.
- Regulatory and cross‑border dimensions: The moves involved international partners and were conducted after prior plans — including a proposed transfer to China — were blocked by federal authorities.
The relocation will likely continue to draw attention from local residents, animal advocates and potential buyers. For Niagara Falls, the changes mark another step in the uncertain future of a major property that sits near one of the region’s most visited landmarks. As the park moves animals off site, the question of what will become of the land and remaining facilities remains pressing for neighbours, local government and tourism stakeholders.
Marineland and the receiving institutions have emphasised they are coordinating closely to safeguard the animals throughout transport and transition. The park did not provide a timetable for any remaining transfers beyond this second phase.
Residents with concerns about the animals or the future of the property can expect more updates as additional moves are announced and as Marineland continues discussions with regulators and interested buyers.
