Animal Justice has urged Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to investigate the passing of Peekachu, a 23-year-old beluga whale from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ont., at a Chicago aquarium. The national animal law advocacy group is also calling for a pause in the ongoing relocation of marine mammals from the closed theme park until a thorough investigation is carried out.
Peekachu was transferred to Shedd Aquarium on Aug. 13 and unfortunately succumbed on Aug. 25. The legal advocacy director of Animal Justice, Kaitlyn Mitchell, has written a letter to Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson requesting DFO to determine how Peekachu was permitted for transport despite apparent health issues.
Accredited Canadian veterinarians were required to conduct health evaluations of the whales before the move, as confirmed by a source to CBC News earlier this year. Shedd Aquarium mentioned that Peekachu was dehydrated and had poor appetite, and efforts to provide medical care were being made when she passed away suddenly.
DFO stated that appropriate measures were taken to ensure the safety of the whales, including issuing CITES permits and Fisheries Act authorizations following health assessments for each whale. Mitchell’s letter requests a halt to the transportation of the remaining six belugas, the last captive whales in Canada, until an investigation into Peekachu’s demise is completed.
Marineland had initially planned to send its belugas and dolphins to China, but this was blocked by Ottawa due to legislation prohibiting whale and dolphin captivity. The park, facing financial challenges, sought assistance from American and Spanish aquariums. Concerns have been raised by experts, including Naomi Rose from the Animal Welfare Institute, about the stress and potential risks involved in transporting the whales.
Rose stressed the need for accountability and expressed worries about further whale fatalities. She highlighted the challenges and stress faced by the belugas during the relocation process, emphasizing the importance of ensuring their well-being.
The relocation of the Marineland whales to various facilities has raised concerns about the animals’ welfare and stress levels. Questions have been raised about the suitability of the proposed Nova Scotia sanctuary and the timing of its development. Rose mentioned the complexities involved in finding the right solution for the welfare of the belugas.
