NewsFox 5 San Diego & KUSI — Local NewsAugust 23, 2026San Diego
SeaWorld San Diego relocates three beluga whales from closed Canadian marine park
SeaWorld San Diego has received three male beluga whales—Xavier, Cyprus, and Jasper—following a 2,500-mile transport from a closed marine park in Canada. The whales are currently being monitored by animal care specialists before being introduced to the park's existing beluga population.
Read the full story at Fox 5 San Diego & KUSI — Local NewsWhy It Matters
The arrival of these whales marks a significant milestone in a larger international rescue effort that has now relocated 12 of 16 planned belugas to SeaWorld facilities.
Key Facts
- Three male beluga whales (Xavier, Cyprus, and Jasper) were transported 2,500 miles to SeaWorld San Diego.
- The whales were relocated from a closed marine park in Canada.
- This transport is part of a larger rescue effort that has moved 12 of 16 total whales to date.
- The rescue operation began in July.
- The whales were moved together to maintain their social bond.
- SeaWorld San Diego currently houses three other belugas (Allua, Oliver, and Klondike) from the same Canadian park.
- The whales were transported in specialized cold-water units accompanied by animal care specialists.
Who's Mentioned
personEric Otjen“Vice President of Animals and Conservation at SeaWorld San Diego.”organizationSeaWorld San Diego“The facility receiving the rescued whales.”other12“Number of whales relocated to date.”personCyprus“One of the three male beluga whales relocated.”other16“Total number of whales expected to be relocated.”personXavier“One of the three male beluga whales relocated.”personJasper“One of the three male beluga whales relocated.”other2,500“Miles traveled during the transport.”