08/09/2026
30 Belugas Were Left Behind Closed Gates
In 2026, belugas began leaving Marineland of Canada. But they were not returning to the open ocean.
Why can’t captive belugas simply be released?
The ocean is more than water and space. Survival depends on knowledge — where to find prey, how to navigate changing conditions, recognise danger and function within complex social communities.
This Planet Science documentary examines the relocation of the Marineland belugas, the challenges of returning captive animals to the wild, and the debate over rehabilitation and marine sanctuaries.
A rescue from immediate danger is not necessarily a return home.
Watch: Why Can’t They Go Home? — The Belugas of Marineland
