Captive Beluga Whales in the U.S. & Canada

[Aelita]

Updated list. The Marineland Canada list may not be 100% accurate given their lack of transparency.

SWT (5.5)
Crissy F [WILD x WILD] (est 1988)
Martha F [WILD x WILD] (est 1988)
Naluark M [WILD x WILD] (est 1986)
Luna F [Luke* x Martina*] (b 07/24/2000)
Innik M [Imaq* x Crissy] (b 08/17/2017)
Tyonek M [WILD x WILD] (b 2017)
Atla F [Nanuq* x Luna] (b 06/23/2010)
Pearl F [Nanuq* x Ruby*] (b 06/23/2010)
Tulok M [Naluark x Luna] (b 07/25/2021)
Rurik M [? X Luna] (b 06/28/2024)

SWF (2.0)
Samson M [Imaq* x Luna] (b 07/09/2013)
Kenai M [Imaq* x Luna] (b 08/11/2016)

SWC (2.1)
Allua F [WILD x WILD] (est 1985)
Klondike M [? X Xena] (b 07/13/2002)
Oliver M [Nanuq* x Martina*] (b 06/23/2007)

Mystic (1.4)
Natasha F [WILD x WILD] (est 1980)
Kelalukak F [WILD x WILD] (est 1981)
Juno M [? X Denise*] (b 07/06/2002)
Jetta F [? X Skyla] (b 07/17/2014)
Sahara F [? X Acadia] (b 07/23/2014)

Georgia (1.4)
Whisper F [Luke* x Crissy] (b 07/25/1999)
Maple F [? X Priscilla] (b 07/02/2005)
Qinu F [Nanuq* x Sikku*] (b 07/31/2008)
Shila F [? X Whisper] (b 05/17/2020)
Nunavik M [Naluark x Puiji*] (b 12/14/2009)

Shedd (5.4)
Beethoven M [Shadow* x Bandit*] (b 08/08/1992)
Naya F [WILD x WILD] (est 1989)
Kayavak F [Inuk* x Immiayuk*] (b 08/03/1999)
Aurek M [? X Gemini] (b 06/27/2003)
Bella F [Naluark x Puiji*] (b 07/17/2006)
Kimalu F [Naluark x Mauyak*] (b 08/27/2012)
Annik M [Aurek x Mauyak*] (b 07/03/2019)
Atlas M [? X Bella] (b 08/21/2020)
UNKNOWN M [? X Naya] (b 07/24/2024)

Total US Population (34)
16.18
* Deceased
------------

MarineLand Canada (14.18)
*Friendship Cove* (14)
Andre M (WILD x WILD) (c 1998)
Balor M (Andre or Kodiak x Peeachu) (b 07/21/2016)
Bertie M (UNKNOWN x Jelly Bean) (b 2019)
Cyprus M (Andre or Kodiak x Cleopatra) (b 2016)
Frankie M (Andre x Sierra) (b 06/11/2012)
Gimli M (UNKNOWN x Secord) (b 08/2019)
Jasper M (Andre or Kodiak x Meeka) (b 07/18/2016)
Odin M (UNKNOWN x Oriris) (b 07/2018)
Orion M (WILD x WILD) (c 2004)
Tank M (UNKNOWN x Acadia) (b 09/30/2011)
Tofino M (WILD x WILD) (c 2004)
Xavier II M (UNKNOWN x Xena) (b 06/24/2012)
Yukon M (UNKNOWN x Aurora) (b 07/2018)
Zephyr M (UNKNOWN x Rain) (b 08/11/2019)

*Artic Cove* (18)
Acadia F (WILD x WILD) (c 2008)
Aurora F (WILD x WILD) (c 2008)
Calypso F (UNKNOWN x Gemini) (b 07/04/2018)
Caspian F (WILD x WILD) (c 2003)
Cleopatra F (WILD x WILD) (c 2003)
Eos F (Tuk x Eve*) (b 09/27/2017)
Gemini F (WILD x WILD) (c 1999)
Jelly Bean F (UNKNOWN x Jubilee*) (b 07/19/2007)
Lillooet F (WILD x WILD) (c 2008)
Meeka F (WILD x WILD) (c 2008)
Neva F (UNKNOWN x Cleopatra) (b 07/23/2009)
Osiris F (WILD x WILD) (c 2003)
Peekachu F (WILD x WILD) (c 2004)
Rain F (WILD x WILD) (c 2008)
Secord F (WILD x WILD) (c 2008)
Sierra F (WILD x WILD) (c 2003)
Skyla F (WILD x WILD) (c 2004)
Xena F (WILD x WILD) (c 1999)

Total Canada Population (32)
14.18
* Deceased

Small correction, Eve should be on the Arctic Cove list, putting it as total 14.19 for Canadian population.

And contrary to what others may say, the Canadian population is and always has been genetically diverse, incidence of inbred offspring is low. Additionally the facility would likely know who the sires are due to bloodwork. (ie. when I posted on Jasper and Nahanni* being siblings last year, who have different mothers)

 

[MidwestFan]

Small correction, Eve should be on the Arctic Cove list, putting it as total 14.19 for Canadian )

I’ve seen conflicting information on status for Eve. I can update if you know she is still there. Thanks.

 

[Kaleb]

Shila F [? X Whisper] (b 05/17/2020)

Shila's father is Naluark.

 

[Nile Hippo Expert]

A fifth beluga has died at Marineland Canada.
Another beluga whale dies at Marineland, Ontario says water quality is 'acceptable'

 

[Aelita]

A fifth beluga has died at Marineland Canada.
Another beluga whale dies at Marineland, Ontario says water quality is 'acceptable'

I mentioned it in the Marineland thread - “3 weeks after…” which was the article on October 9th which mentioned the July passing (Isis)

So logically, it has only been the 3 passings (Qila, Nahanni and Isis) this year. They’re wording it to imply another passing when it’s probably not the case.

What’s forgotten to be mentioned is that there’s more investment in newer water quality systems, which is a surprise. The record keeping is something that they’ve done, and additionally it reflects their plans of hiring more caregivers and vet techs (publicly available job postings)

I’ll also add this- during the African Lion Safari and the extension of the ban, the transcript which I read- politicians admitted that they were “sad” to put the cetaceans in a “stuck” status.
So unless they’re willing to issue more permits for transfers ideally after medical evaluations, the attrition will continue.

 

[Jonathan Petersson]

I mentioned it in the Marineland thread - “3 weeks after…” which was the article on October 9th which mentioned the July passing (Isis)

So logically, it has only been the 3 passings (Qila, Nahanni and Isis) this year. They’re wording it to imply another passing when it’s probably not the case.

What’s forgotten to be mentioned is that there’s more investment in newer water quality systems, which is a surprise. The record keeping is something that they’ve done, and additionally it reflects their plans of hiring more caregivers and vet techs (publicly available job postings)

I’ll also add this- during the African Lion Safari and the extension of the ban, the transcript which I read- politicians admitted that they were “sad” to put the cetaceans in a “stuck” status.
So unless they’re willing to issue more permits for transfers ideally after medical evaluations, the attrition will continue.

Marineland has definitely made some steps in the right directions. Once again it is seen that these activist are putting their own agenda over the wellbeing of the animals they say to care about with the continuation of the anti-captivity bill. I know Mystic has been involved with them in the past and I hope another facility like them would be willing to step in a take over animal care operations at the park. Would provide them with more funding and more personal to better take care of the whales and facilities for the time being.

 

[Orca obsessed]

UNKNOWN M [? X Naya] (b 07/24/2024)

Does anyone have an update on Naya’s calf?

 

[MidwestFan]

Does anyone have an update on Naya’s calf?

Nothing official released from Shedd. From post in Shedd thread, still being hand reared BTS last month.
Shedd Aquarium [Shedd Aquarium]
Post #457 by @TurningOfTheWheel

 

[Aelita]

Two pieces of beluga news;

Eos- at Marineland, was euthanized February 5th. In a statement they add that she had renal concerns since 2021, ongoing treatment and recovery, however things had sadly changed the past few months Marineland of Canada on Instagram

Shedd has also announced an update on Naya’s calf! They also mention that members can vote on a name for him
Shedd Aquarium on Instagram: "Oh baby! We’re celebrating six months of baby beluga at Shedd . Dive into an exciting update on the newest beluga to the pod! Want a chance at naming him? Tap the link in our bio to become a member and cast your vote."

 

[Kifaru Bwana]

Marineland has definitely made some steps in the right directions. Once again it is seen that these activist are putting their own agenda over the wellbeing of the animals they say to care about with the continuation of the anti-captivity bill. I know Mystic has been involved with them in the past and I hope another facility like them would be willing to step in a take over animal care operations at the park. Would provide them with more funding and more personal to better take care of the whales and facilities for the time being.

Politicians and municipal / Federal State administrators need to take a far more positive and constructive approach to cetacean captive care and providing the framework and some funding for apt new state of the art accomodation for larger groups of beluga and orca. Period!

The current stagnation is partially the construct and product of sometimes not well directed focus and activism on larger cetaceans in captivity over their status in the wild and or how the species are doing worldwide with all the economic pressures (by some politicians in the Arctic and Antarctic ...) and the whaling industry still proliferating unabatted in some Nordic and Asian nations....!

 

[MidwestFan]

North America population list update. Marineland Canada should be at 31 belugas from recent news articles, but I am unsure who on the list is deceased. If anyone has any info, please provide.

SWT (5.5)
Crissy F [WILD x WILD] (est 1988)
Martha F [WILD x WILD] (est 1988)
Naluark M [WILD x WILD] (est 1986)
Luna F [Luke* x Martina*] (b 07/24/2000)
Innik M [Imaq* x Crissy] (b 08/17/2017)
Tyonek M [WILD x WILD] (b 2017)
Atla F [Nanuq* x Luna] (b 06/23/2010)
Pearl F [Nanuq* x Ruby*] (b 06/23/2010)
Tulok M [Naluark x Luna] (b 07/25/2021)
Rurik M [? X Luna] (b 06/28/2024)

SWF (2.0)
Samson M [Imaq* x Luna] (b 07/09/2013)
Kenai M [Imaq* x Luna] (b 08/11/2016)

SWC (2.1)
Allua F [WILD x WILD] (est 1985)
Klondike M [? X Xena] (b 07/13/2002)
Oliver M [Nanuq* x Martina*] (b 06/23/2007)

Mystic (1.4)
Natasha F [WILD x WILD] (est 1980)
Kelalukak F [WILD x WILD] (est 1981)
Juno M [? X Denise*] (b 07/06/2002)
Jetta F [? X Skyla] (b 07/17/2014)
Sahara F [? X Acadia] (b 07/23/2014)

Georgia (1.4)
Whisper F [Luke* x Crissy] (b 07/25/1999)
Maple F [? X Priscilla*] (b 07/02/2005)
Qinu F [Nanuq* x Sikku*] (b 07/31/2008)
Shila F [Naluark X Whisper] (b 05/17/2020)
Nunavik M [Naluark x Puiji*] (b 12/14/2009)

Shedd (5.4)
Beethoven M [Shadow* x Bandit*] (b 08/08/1992)
Naya F [WILD x WILD] (est 1989)
Kayavak F [Inuk* x Immiayuk*] (b 08/03/1999)
Aurek M [? X Gemini] (b 06/27/2003)
Bella F [Naluark x Puiji*] (b 07/17/2006)
Kimalu F [Naluark x Mauyak*] (b 08/27/2012)
Annik M [Aurek x Mauyak*] (b 07/03/2019)
Atlas M [Aurek X Bella] (b 08/21/2020)
UNKNOWN M [Beethoven X Naya] (b 07/24/2024)

Total US Population (34)
16.18
* Deceased


MarineLand Canada (14.18)
*Friendship Cove* (14)
Andre M (WILD x WILD) (c 1998)
Balor M (Andre or Kodiak* x Peekachu) (b 07/21/2016)
Bertie M (UNKNOWN x Jelly Bean) (b 2019)
Cyprus M (Andre or Kodiak* x Cleopatra) (b 2016)
Frankie M (Andre x Sierra) (b 06/11/2012)
Gimli M (UNKNOWN x Secord) (b 08/2019)
Jasper M (Andre or Kodiak* x Meeka) (b 07/18/2016)
Odin M (UNKNOWN x Oriris) (b 07/2018)
Orion M (WILD x WILD) (c 2004)
Tank M (UNKNOWN x Acadia) (b 09/30/2011)
Tofino M (WILD x WILD) (c 2004)
Xavier II M (UNKNOWN x Xena) (b 06/24/2012)
Yukon M (UNKNOWN x Aurora) (b 07/2018)
Zephyr M (UNKNOWN x Rain) (b 08/11/2019)

*Artic Cove* (18)
Acadia F (WILD x WILD) (c 2008)
Aurora F (WILD x WILD) (c 2008)
Calypso F (UNKNOWN x Gemini) (b 07/04/2018)
Caspian F (WILD x WILD) (c 2003)
Cleopatra F (WILD x WILD) (c 2003)
Eve F (UNKNOWN x Xena) (b 07/05/2008)
Gemini F (WILD x WILD) (c 1999)
Jelly Bean F (UNKNOWN x Jubilee*) (b 07/19/2007)
Lillooet F (WILD x WILD) (c 2008)
Meeka F (WILD x WILD) (c 2008)
Neva F (UNKNOWN x Cleopatra) (b 07/23/2009)
Osiris F (WILD x WILD) (c 2003)
Peekachu F (WILD x WILD) (c 2004)
Rain F (WILD x WILD) (c 2008)
Secord F (WILD x WILD) (c 2008)
Sierra F (WILD x WILD) (c 2003)
Skyla F (WILD x WILD) (c 2004)
Xena F (WILD x WILD) (c 1999)

Total Canada Population (32)
14.18
* Deceased

 

[CetaBase]

North America population list update. Marineland Canada should be at 31 belugas from recent news articles, but I am unsure who on the list is deceased. If anyone has any info, please provide.

Aurora died in October 2024 - that should bring the MLC animals up to date.

Also, I've added a "global" page to my website for belugas (currently excluding China), but you can filter by region, this may be helpful for tracking #'s as well.
Global List · Captive Belugas - Ceta-Base | Captive Dolphin & Whale Database

 

[MidwestFan]

The male calf at Shedd has been named Opus.

Shedd (5.4)
Beethoven M [Shadow* x Bandit*] (b 08/08/1992)
Naya F [WILD x WILD] (est 1989)
Kayavak F [Inuk* x Immiayuk*] (b 08/03/1999)
Aurek M [? X Gemini] (b 06/27/2003)
Bella F [Naluark x Puiji*] (b 07/17/2006)
Kimalu F [Naluark x Mauyak*] (b 08/27/2012)
Annik M [Aurek x Mauyak*] (b 07/03/2019)
Atlas M [Aurek X Bella] (b 08/21/2020)
Opus M [Beethoven X Naya] (b 07/24/2024)

 

[CetaBase]

Kayavak was euthanized at Shedd Aquarium, sometime within the past couple days (April 2025). She was being treated for an abdominal condition.

"In early April 2025, Kayavak’s caretakers noticed her showing signs of illness. Immediately, our animal care and veterinary teams began working on a treatment plan. We discovered a potential issue in her abdomen, and within a matter of hours we mobilized a team of experts from here at Shedd, across Chicagoland and flew in specialists overnight from around the country to intervene. This expert group included our friends and colleagues at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, the Veterinary Specialty Center, the Zoological Pathology Program, ZooRadOne, Dr. James Bailey and Dr. Dean Hendrickson from Colorado State University.

Kayavak’s care was truly novel, including what is possibly the first CT scan as well as the first anesthesia and abdominal surgery for an adult beluga whale. But despite our speed, teamwork and extraordinary efforts, Kayavak’s condition continued to worsen, and it was clear she would not recover. With her wellbeing and comfort as our top priority, we made the difficult but compassionate decision to humanely euthanize her while she was surrounded by her trusted caretakers."

https://www.sheddaquarium.org/stories/a-heartfelt-goodbye-to-kayavak

Shedd Aquarium on Instagram: "With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to 25-year-old beluga whale, Kayavak. This past week, Kayavak showed signs of illness, and our expert caretakers and veterinarians responded immediately, assembling a team to provide novel and extraordinary care—including emergency surgery—to try and save her. Despite our speed and tireless efforts, Kayavak’s condition continued to worsen, and it became clear that she would not recover. With her wellbeing and comfort in mind, we made the difficult but compassionate decision to humanely euthanize her, surrounded by her trusted caretakers. Kayavak was born at Shedd in 1999 - the first beluga calf that caretakers and guests had the privilege of watching grow up at the aquarium. And for those 25 years, she won hearts, sparked curiosity and built a bridge between people and the world beneath the waves. We will continue to carry her legacy forward – in the care we provide, in the conservation work we champion and in the hearts of everyone she touched. If you have a memory of Kayavak, or words for the team who cared for her, we welcome you to share them here. You can read more about Kayavak’s care and story in our latest blog—link in bio."

 

[yahnih]

RIP Kayavak

 

[yahnih]

Any news on where the MLC belugas will go?

 

[Hyak_II]

Extremely sad news :-( I haven’t read the links, but just off of what’s posted here, it sounds like it was a twisted intestine. Unfortunately they seem to be a fatal occurrence in cetaceans no matter how aggressively they are treated or how early they are caught.

 

[yahnih]

I agree. Their population went up with Opus, but now it’s back to 8. Hopefully new blood comes in from MLC

 

[MidwestFan]

SWT (5.5)
Crissy F [WILD x WILD] (est 1988)
Martha F [WILD x WILD] (est 1988)
Naluark M [WILD x WILD] (est 1986)
Luna F [Luke* x Martina*] (b 07/24/2000)
Innik M [Imaq* x Crissy] (b 08/17/2017)
Tyonek M [WILD x WILD] (b 2017)
Atla F [Nanuq* x Luna] (b 06/23/2010)
Pearl F [Nanuq* x Ruby*] (b 06/23/2010)
Tulok M [Naluark x Luna] (b 07/25/2021)
Rurik M [? X Luna] (b 06/28/2024)

SWF (2.0)
Samson M [Imaq* x Luna] (b 07/09/2013)
Kenai M [Imaq* x Luna] (b 08/11/2016)

SWC (2.1)
Allua F [WILD x WILD] (est 1985)
Klondike M [? X Xena] (b 07/13/2002)
Oliver M [Nanuq* x Martina*] (b 06/23/2007)

Mystic (1.4)
Natasha F [WILD x WILD] (est 1980)
Kelalukak F [WILD x WILD] (est 1981)
Juno M [? X Denise*] (b 07/06/2002)
Jetta F [? X Skyla] (b 07/17/2014)
Sahara F [? X Acadia] (b 07/23/2014)

Georgia (1.4)
Whisper F [Luke* x Crissy] (b 07/25/1999)
Maple F [? X Priscilla*] (b 07/02/2005)
Qinu F [Nanuq* x Sikku*] (b 07/31/2008)
Shila F [Naluark X Whisper] (b 05/17/2020)
Nunavik M [Naluark x Puiji*] (b 12/14/2009)

Shedd (5.3)
Beethoven M [Shadow* x Bandit*] (b 08/08/1992)
Naya F [WILD x WILD] (est 1989)
Aurek M [? X Gemini] (b 06/27/2003)
Bella F [Naluark x Puiji*] (b 07/17/2006)
Kimalu F [Naluark x Mauyak*] (b 08/27/2012)
Annik M [Aurek x Mauyak*] (b 07/03/2019)
Atlas M [Aurek X Bella] (b 08/21/2020)
Opus M [Beethoven X Naya] (b 07/24/2024)

Total US Population (33)
16.17
* Deceased

MarineLand Canada (14.17)
*Friendship Cove* (14)
Andre M (WILD x WILD) (c 1998)
Balor M (Andre or Kodiak* x Peekachu) (b 07/21/2016)
Bertie M (UNKNOWN x Jelly Bean) (b 2019)
Cyprus M (Andre or Kodiak* x Cleopatra) (b 2016)
Frankie M (Andre x Sierra) (b 06/11/2012)
Gimli M (UNKNOWN x Secord) (b 08/2019)
Jasper M (Andre or Kodiak* x Meeka) (b 07/18/2016)
Odin M (UNKNOWN x Oriris) (b 07/2018)
Orion M (WILD x WILD) (c 2004)
Tank M (UNKNOWN x Acadia) (b 09/30/2011)
Tofino M (WILD x WILD) (c 2004)
Xavier II M (UNKNOWN x Xena) (b 06/24/2012)
Yukon M (UNKNOWN x Aurora*) (b 07/2018)
Zephyr M (UNKNOWN x Rain) (b 08/11/2019)

*Artic Cove* (17)
Acadia F (WILD x WILD) (c 2008)
Calypso F (UNKNOWN x Gemini) (b 07/04/2018)
Caspian F (WILD x WILD) (c 2003)
Cleopatra F (WILD x WILD) (c 2003)
Eve F (UNKNOWN x Xena) (b 07/05/2008)
Gemini F (WILD x WILD) (c 1999)
Jelly Bean F (UNKNOWN x Jubilee*) (b 07/19/2007)
Lillooet F (WILD x WILD) (c 2008)
Meeka F (WILD x WILD) (c 2008)
Neva F (UNKNOWN x Cleopatra) (b 07/23/2009)
Osiris F (WILD x WILD) (c 2003)
Peekachu F (WILD x WILD) (c 2004)
Rain F (WILD x WILD) (c 2008)
Secord F (WILD x WILD) (c 2008)
Sierra F (WILD x WILD) (c 2003)
Skyla F (WILD x WILD) (c 2004)
Xena F (WILD x WILD) (c 1999)

Total Canada Population (31)
14.17
* Deceased

 

[J-K]

"A review of the number of captive belugas, the captive beluga infant mortality rates, and the death rates for adult captive belugas, along with the Aquarium’s own predictions, leads to the conclusion
that beluga whales will cease to be displayed in United States aquariums and facilities soon, likely by 2050." - source

What would US facilities even do to prevent this? I know the Marine Mammal Protection Act is still very strict against importing sperm or extracting sperm from wild or beached belugas... Unless Marineland Canada is suddenly able to dump its stock to the US (which is still very difficult due to the MMPA's restriction's on importing cetaceans), are captive Belugas destined to just go extinct in the US?

I know it's technically possible to extract reproductive genetic material from wild cetaceans, but I can't imagine the legal/regulatory hurdle that would take...