Six beluga whales have been airlifted from the shuttered Marineland park in Ontario, Canada, to a marine sanctuary in the United States, after Canadian authorities warned the animals could be euthanised if a rehoming solution was not found. The move marks the latest chapter in the long-running saga of Marineland's remaining marine mammals, whose welfare has been under scrutiny since the attraction closed and left dozens of whales without proper care or a clear future.

The relocation follows mounting pressure from animal welfare campaigners and officials, who had warned that euthanasia was being considered as an option if the whales could not be found new homes. The six belugas were flown to a US sanctuary, where they are expected to receive improved care, as authorities and welfare groups continue efforts to secure long-term homes for the other animals still remaining at the abandoned park.