Two Rescued Beluga Whales Arrive at Georgia Aquarium
Two rescued beluga whales, Zephyr (7 years old) and Balor (10 years old), have arrived at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta after being transferred from Marineland of Canada, a zoo that closed due to financial issues. The whales are now…
Atlanta, GA, August 15, 2026 —
Two beluga whales, Zephyr, a 7-year-old male, and Balor, a 10-year-old male, have been transferred to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. The transfer comes after their former home, Marineland of Canada, closed its doors due to financial difficulties.
Zephyr and Balor are now settling into their new environment at the Georgia Aquarium, where they are beginning to acclimate to their surroundings. The aquarium is home to four other beluga whales, and the new arrivals will gradually be introduced to the existing pod.
The Georgia Aquarium is a facility dedicated to the preservation, research, and rehabilitation of marine life. The arrival of Zephyr and Balor adds to the aquarium’s efforts in providing a safe and enriching habitat for these cetaceans.
Marineland of Canada, located in Niagara Falls, Ontario, ceased operations. The reasons cited for the closure were financial issues. The fate of the animals housed at the facility was a significant concern following the announcement of its closure.
The Georgia Aquarium has a history of participating in conservation efforts and providing care for marine animals. The process of transferring large marine mammals like beluga whales is complex and requires extensive planning to ensure the animals’ welfare during transport and upon arrival at their new home.
Story summarized from the original created by Atlanta First News staff on www.atlantanewsfirst.com, see more information here.
