Beluga whales, from closed Canadian Marineland, arrive at SeaWorld San Diego

Three male belugas, who were rescued from a closed marine park in Canada, arrived safely at SeaWorld San Diego this past weekend, it was announced.

SeaWorld San Diego said Xavier, Cyprus and Jasper traveled more than 2,500 miles together in specialized cold-water transport units, where veterinarians and animal care specialists accompanied them.

“Xavier, Cyprus, and Jasper were moved as a group specifically because of their existing social bond. As a highly social species, dynamics between the animals are important in providing comfort during transport. Their arrival also marks the first transport of all males as part of the effort,” SeaWorld San Diego said.

SeaWorld San Diego’s animal care team will now closely monitor the whales’ behavior and health as they adjust to their new surroundings.

When the beluga whales are ready, SeaWorld said they will be introduced to the other three belugas under their care, Allua, Oliver, and Klondike, who also came from the same park in Canada.

This transport follows three earlier movements of belugas to SeaWorld San Antonio, Georgia Aquarium, and Shedd Aquarium, which began in July.

Were it not for the rescue efforts by the accredited aquariums around the world, Canadian Marineland had been considering euthanizing as many as 30 of the white whales because it could no longer afford to care for them.

“We recognize we can no longer provide the long-term care these animals require, and we believe this rescue — led by AZA-accredited aquariums including Shedd Aquarium, Georgia Aquarium, SeaWorld San Antonio, and SeaWorld San Diego — is in the whales’ best interest,” Park owners said.

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