Park News


Park World News in association with


First beluga whales rescued from Marineland arrive at new US homes


T


he first six beluga whales rescued from Marineland of Canada have arrived at new homes in the US following an international


relocation effort involving multiple Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited facilities. Two of the whales, Bertie Botts and Frankie, are


now settling in at SeaWorld San Antonio in Texas, while Sierra, Acadia, Osiris and Lillooet have been transferred to a facility in Chicago. The belugas were part of a pod of 30 animals


previously housed at Marineland of Canada, which faced an uncertain future after the marine park closed and could no longer provide long-term care. Without new homes being found, the whales faced euthanasia. The animals were transported by road and


air in specially designed cold-water containers, accompanied by marine mammal veterinarians and animal care specialists. Receiving facilities Shedd Aquarium and


SeaWorld San Antonio are providing round- the-clock care as the whales adjust to their new surroundings, carrying out health assessments and supporting their acclimatisation. "This moment marks the next chapter for these


rescued belugas,” said Dr Karisa Tang, lead veterinarian and vice president of animal health at Shedd Aquarium. "Now that they are here, the full attention of our


care and veterinary teams is on getting to know these whales and providing whatever supplemental support, treatment and care we can to help them acclimate to their new home." Dr Chris Dold, chief zoological officer at


SeaWorld, said: "The rescue started with the needs of the belugas. "The plan was built, as much as possible, on


understanding their overall health, social bonds and multiple other factors. Our plans naturally evolved as we learned more about the whales, and we will remain adaptive and responsive to the whales’ needs as we work to complete this unprecedented rescue." The first relocations were organised around


existing social bonds, with the whales moved in smaller groups based on their relationships with one another. As a highly social species, belugas can benefit from familiar companions during transport and while adapting to new environments. Steve Aibel, SeaWorld San Antonio’s vice


president for animals and conservation, said: "Seeing these first beluga whales arrive safely to their new homes is an important milestone, but it's not the finish line. "Our team is laser-focused on supporting each


whale through this transition with individualised care, patience and observation to ensure their welfare. We're optimistic about what's ahead, while recognising that every animal will adapt on its own timeline." Further relocations are planned, with additional


rescued belugas expected to move to Georgia Aquarium, SeaWorld San Diego and Oceanografic Valencia in Spain, subject to government approvals.


Namco Funscape is teaming up with mental health charity Mind for a nationwide summer campaign, championing the simple but powerful role that shared experiences and family time can play in supporting wellbeing. From 20th July to the end of the UK school


Namco Funscape pairs up with Mind for UK-wide charity partnership The ‘Supporting Mental Health, One Game at


summer holidays on 6th September, for every £1 spent on bowling across all six Namco venues, 1p will be donated to Mind, turning strikes, spares and shared laughter into a small but meaningful contribution towards the charity’s work supporting people experiencing mental health problems.


a Time’ initiative will be promoted across every touchpoint of the customer journey, from the in-store POS and digital screens to online channels, ensuring guests know that their fun day out is also making a positive difference behind the scenes. Matt Bradley, Head of Marketing and Media at


Bandai Namco Amusement Europe, said: “Family time is precious and we know how much joy people get from a day out bowling with the people they love. Now these shared moments will also help Mind support those who need it most. “This summer, we’re proud that bowling at any of our six Namco Funscape sites will double up as a small act of care for someone else and make a genuine difference.” Sarah Sheridan, Head of Corporate Partnerships


at Mind, said: "We’re delighted to be partnering with Namco Funscape this summer. Spending time with others, having fun and doing something active can all play a role in supporting our wellbeing. Every game of bowling will help raise vital funds for Mind, so we can continue to be there for people experiencing mental health problems."


14 SUMMER PART TWO 2026


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