Happy news from Shedd Aquarium: the final group of rescued beluga whales has arrived in Chicago! Two more young male belugas completed their overnight journey from Ontario, closing out an extraordinary international rescue effort that moved animals out of a closed marine park in Canada.
In just six weeks, three urgent rescue transports brought the whales to Chicago, reuniting the pod and placing them under the expert care of Shedd’s veterinary teams. Caretakers accompanied the animals every step of the way, and the full team is now watching over nine rescued belugas around the clock as they settle into their new home.
“Rescue is really just the beginning,” said Dr. Karisa Tang, Shedd’s lead veterinarian and vice president of animal health. Her team is learning every day how each whale eats, rests, and relates to its caregivers and fellow whales, shaping everything from nutrition to social groupings. The team expects it may take several months before the whales are fully settled, and everyone is committed to following the whales’ pace.
Shedd is part of a collective of Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited organizations, including SeaWorld, Georgia Aquarium, Oceanogràfic Valencia, and Mystic Aquarium, that will keep collaborating and sharing knowledge as the animals acclimate.
“We are steadfast in our commitment to protecting beluga whales and other aquatic animals in need,” said Dr. Tang. Chicago’s newest residents are in good hands, and their story is just beginning.
Photo: Shedd Aquarium
