2 rescued beluga whales now calling Georgia Aquarium home

ATLANTA — Two beluga whales rescued from Canada can now call the Georgia Aquarium home.

Balor, 10, and Zephyr, 7, were among 30 whales rescued from Marineland park and zoo in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

The two males arrived in Atlanta around 7 a.m. Thursday.

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The marine theme park closed in 2024. Last month, the Canadian government endorsed a plan to move the captive beluga whales.

On Wednesday, the Georgia Aquarium confirmed it has received government authorization to move two whales to Atlanta. The other 28 will be rescued by the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, SeaWorld San Antonio, SeaWorld San Diego and Oceanografic Valencia in Spain.

Balor and Zephyr will start working with Georgia Aquarium trainers and getting used to their new home before being introduced to the rest of belugas.

For the time being, they’ll remain behind the scenes. There’s o word yet when you can come visit them.

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