CHICAGO — The Shedd Aquarium began welcoming visitors to view four beluga whales rescued from a closed Canadian marine park. The animals arrived on Lake Michigan's shore days earlier and are settling into the aquarium's Abbott Oceanarium.

The four whales were transported from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, after the Canadian facility ceased operations. The move followed months of coordination with Canadian and American wildlife authorities to relocate the animals to accredited care.

Aquarium veterinarians and animal-care specialists have been monitoring the belugas for signs of stress as they acclimate to their new habitat. The whales underwent health assessments upon arrival and will be introduced gradually to public viewing areas.

The relocation drew attention from animal-welfare advocates who had campaigned for the closure of Marineland and the rehoming of its marine mammals. Shedd Aquarium, accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, positioned the effort as a rescue rather than an acquisition, emphasizing long-term care.

Additional belugas from the shuttered park could arrive in later phases, pending further transport arrangements and health clearances. The aquarium plans to expand public programming around the animals through the summer.