# @usfws on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DbgVbTgy630
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/68617318-usfws-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/184879f6e1.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-08-01T17:05:04.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (@usfws) — https://gondola.cc/usfws

## Caption

Thirty beluga whales are being rescued from Marineland in Canada, a closed marine park that could no longer support their ongoing care.

The first six whales arrived last week. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wildlife inspectors were among the first on the scene when the whales arrived at the port at 1 am, playing a critical role in every step of the transfer. From conducting health inspections and verifying permit compliance to supporting the safe and humane transport of the animals, their expertise played a vital role in making this remarkable effort a success.

The belugas are being relocated to multiple facilities across the country where they will be closely monitored as they adjust into their new homes.

“While it’s still early and we have many milestones ahead, we are seeing encouraging signs that the rescued whales are settling in well to their new homes,” Charilie Jacobsma, director of animal behavior and training at Shedd Aquarium. “This includes observing behaviors like foraging for fish, socializing, resting and exploring their new habitats together.”

For some rescued whales and dolphins, permanent human care may be the most ethical outcome when they cannot be safely returned to the wild. One of the biggest challenges is that there are very few dedicated facilities that allow for cetaceans to transition from captivity to the wild, so long-term care often takes place in accredited aquariums or marine parks, where they receive specialized, lifelong support.
 
We are grateful for our partners at Shedd Aquarium, Georgia Aquarium, Mystic Aquarium, SeaWorld, Association of Zoos and Aquariums and NOAA for their support in ensuring the highest quality of care for these rescued belugas.

Original video footage courtesy of ©Shedd Aquarium/Samuel RC Elia. Reel by Rebecca Fabbri/USFWS

Visual description: A cargo plane arrives. Wildlife inspectors examine the whales as Shedd Aquarium staff pour water over them. The containers are transferred onto a truck. One beluga is then carefully lifted from its container. The video ends with belugas swimming freely in their new home. #beluga

## Stats

- **Views:** 26,533
- **Likes:** 1,389
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 17

## Tags

beluga

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