Animal Justice has urged Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to look into 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 also called for a pause in the relocation of marine mammals from the closed theme park until an investigation is concluded.
Peekachu, who arrived at Shedd Aquarium on Aug. 13, passed away on Aug. 25. Kaitlyn Mitchell, the legal advocacy director at Animal Justice, requested in a letter to Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson that DFO investigate how Peekachu was allowed for transport despite apparent health issues.
According to a source, Marineland had to confirm in writing the health assessments of the whales by an accredited Canadian veterinarian before the move. Shedd Aquarium mentioned that Peekachu was dehydrated and had poor appetite.
DFO emphasized that it took necessary measures to ensure the safety of the whales during transportation, including issuing required permits and authorizations after individual health assessments.
Mitchell’s letter also urged the suspension of the transport of the remaining six belugas, the last captive whales in Canada, until a thorough inquiry into Peekachu’s death is conducted and the health of the other whales is verified for the journey to their new destinations.
Marineland had initially planned to send its belugas and dolphins to an aquarium in China, but the move was blocked by Ottawa due to legislation prohibiting whale and dolphin captivity. The park then sought assistance from American and Spanish aquariums, with some belugas being relocated to SeaWorld locations.
Concerns have been raised by Naomi Rose, a marine mammal biology scientist at the Animal Welfare Institute, regarding the well-being of the relocated whales and the stress they may endure during the transportation process. Rose expressed worry about potential additional whale deaths and emphasized the need for accountability in caring for these intelligent and social animals.
She highlighted the challenges faced by the whales in the relocation process, including separation and stress caused by the transit to different facilities. Rose suggested that Marineland should have considered waiting to send the whales to a sanctuary instead.
The fate of the belugas at Marineland remains uncertain, with ongoing debates about the best course of action to ensure their welfare and safety during the relocation process.