SeaWorld San Antonio has welcomed two beluga whales, marking a significant milestone in an international rescue operation that has been in the works for several years. The new arrivals, Frankie and Bertie Botts, were transferred from a now-defunct marine park in Canada that could no longer provide them with adequate care.
The two male belugas, each weighing around 1,200 pounds, traveled thousands of miles to reach their new home in San Antonio, Texas. They were among a group of 30 whales living at Marineland of Canada, which has faced challenges in supporting their ongoing welfare.
“These animals were in a situation where they needed to be rescued. The alternative would have been euthanasia, which was not an option anyone wanted to consider,” stated Katie McCullough, the curator of Animal Husbandry at SeaWorld San Antonio. The aquarium is one of several facilities that were called upon to provide a solution for the whales, chosen for their expertise in beluga care and prior rescue experience.
Prior to their relocation, specialists from various aquariums conducted health assessments to ensure the whales were fit for travel. The transport process was also subject to approval from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
“This is an unprecedented event, and moving such a large number of animals has been a monumental task,” McCullough explained. The transfer involved carefully gathering the whales into a shallow pool, placing them into a sling, and then cradling them in a specialized cold-water container for transport. They were then driven to the airport and loaded onto a 777 cargo plane.
During the journey, SeaWorld staff monitored the whales continuously, ensuring they remained wet and assessing their respiration. Since their arrival, the team has been dedicated to providing immediate care and helping the belugas adjust to their new environment. SeaWorld San Antonio is already home to a multi-generational pod of belugas, including eight of its own.
In addition to SeaWorld San Antonio, aquariums in Chicago, Georgia, San Diego, and Spain are also set to welcome rescued belugas. Frankie and Bertie Botts are already settling in, with staff gradually introducing them to various pools and planning to add new companions as they adjust.
Looking ahead, eleven more beluga whales are anticipated to arrive in the coming weeks as part of this comprehensive rescue initiative.
