Six beluga whales have arrived at aquariums in the United States after being moved from a closed Canadian marine park that could no longer care for the mammals.

They are part of a large pod of 30 belugas living at Marineland of Canada that need to be rehomed.

Sierra, Acadia, Osiris and Lillooet arrived at a Chicago facility, while Bertie Botts and Frankie arrived at SeaWorld in San Antonio, Texas.

Transported in specialised cold-water containers by truck and plane, the animals were accompanied throughout the journey by marine mammal veterinarians. This is the first stage of an unprecedented international relocation effort.

The move followed months of planning and veterinary checks, with specialist teams now monitoring the whales as they settle into their new homes.