Four beluga whales have been transported from Marineland Canada to Chicago's Shedd Aquarium, becoming part of the first group moved out of the Niagara Falls marine park since it closed to visitors in 2024. Their relocation follows months of uncertainty after Marineland said it could no longer afford long-term care for its remaining whales and dolphins.

The move is part of a wider effort to rehome 30 belugas, but animal welfare groups say sending them to other captive facilities does not end concerns over their future.