BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Joanne Thompson, Canada's Minister of Fisheries, announced that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued their authorizations to advance the rescue of the remaining whales at Marineland.
Thompson made the announcement on social media and said that NOAA's authorizations are for facilities in the United States accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
"This is an encouraging and critical next step for the safe relocation of the whales," Thompson said. "Canadian CITES permits have been issued, and as a condition of approving the export permits, a health check for each animal must be completed by a Canadian accredited veterinarian."
Once the health check has been completed and appropriate documentation has been provided, Thompson said she will provide the authorizations to enable the relocation.
"I want to thank the AZA, the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and all the facilities involved for their vital work, commitment, and cooperation to enable the safe transfer of the whales to their new homes," Thompson said.
In a statement to 7 News, Marineland said the rescue is being led by Shedd Aquarium, Georgia Aquarium, SeaWorld San Antonio, and SeaWorld San Diego.
You can read the full statement below:
"Marineland welcomes NOAA’s authorization of the emergency relocation of the beluga whales in our care, following approvals from Canadian authorities. 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.
Care teams will arrive in the coming weeks to assess the whales and prepare them for travel, and no whale will move until cleared by Canadian veterinarians. Marineland is committed to full cooperation throughout, and the comfort and safety of the whales remains our utmost priority."
