As of March 2026, over 500 animals remain at the Marineland Canada site—including 34 cetaceans (30 belugas and 4 dolphins), 1 seal, 7 bears, and hundreds of deer. Recent drone footage reveals the stark reality of the closed facility (Reference 1).
While two sea lions have found safe, clean water at the Vancouver Aquarium, the question remains: Who will experience safety next?
Familial Bonds & the Loss of a Matriarch
Moving a cetacean is not as straightforward as rescuing a sea lion. It is a time of cross-continent problem solving. To understand the scale of moving just two whales, take a look at the extensive planning required for the 2020 Iceland sanctuary transport (Reference 2).
Now, multiply that by thirty.
Four major sites are currently in high-level discussions to receive the cetaceans stranded at Marineland: Atlanta, Chicago, Connecticut, and San Antonio.
Recently, San Antonio Sea World announced the loss of their 40 year-old beluga matriarch - Martha. (Reference 3). The memorial post from Sea World describes the influence of Martha on her pod and the animal care teams around her.
While San Antonio Sea World does not have other belugas from Marineland, it is a site involved in the rescue conversations. Gemini, Acadia, Skyla, and Xena are the four female belugas currently at Marineland that have offspring at possible receiving sites - these mothers might have the opportunity to reunite with their offspring.
Help Solve the Puzzle
A rescue of this magnitude requires every hand on deck—from on-the-ground care teams to the logistics experts planning the transport.
Are you involved in this rescue?
- If your team has a need: Let us know.
- If your team has a capability: Reach out.
Leave a comment on our social media posts or use our Needs Form to let the community know about emerging resources or gaps that need filling.
Submit Capability or Identify a Need here
#ColoringPageCampaign: The Beluga Pod
This week, we celebrate the connection between members of beluga families. Our new coloring page features a pod swimming together—a reminder of the social bonds we are fighting to remember and restore.
- Download: Select from our 3-image series of coloring pages (including the new Beluga Pod).
- Color-a-Page: Choose an animal family to follow and send a note of support to the animals and the teams providing their daily care.
- Share: Post your finished page and tag us. Let the world know the community is cheering for a reunion.
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- Instagram:@the.preparedness.collective