Down-to-the-wire rush to save 30 majestic beluga whales stuck at shuttered theme park since 2024

Why the Whales Are Still There

When the marine park ceased operations in 2024, the beluga whales were left living in artificial pools designed for entertainment rather than permanent care. Although dedicated staff continued to provide food and basic veterinary attention, maintaining such a large group of marine mammals without the park’s full operational resources has become increasingly difficult.

Experts warn that aging infrastructure, rising maintenance costs, and the challenges of caring for highly social, intelligent animals make the current situation unsustainable.