Animal Justice is urging Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to look into the demise of Peekachu, a 23-year-old beluga whale from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ont., at a Chicago aquarium. The national animal rights group is also requesting DFO to pause the ongoing transfer of marine mammals from the closed theme park until a thorough investigation is conducted.
Peekachu was brought to Shedd Aquarium on Aug. 13 and passed away on Aug. 25. Kaitlyn Mitchell, Animal Justice’s legal advocacy director, has written to Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, questioning how Peekachu was cleared for transportation despite evident health issues. It was mandatory for an accredited Canadian veterinarian to conduct health assessments on the whales before relocation, as confirmed by a source to CBC News earlier this year.
Shedd Aquarium disclosed that Peekachu was dehydrated and experiencing poor appetite, leading to its sudden demise despite efforts to administer medication and fluids. The aquarium emphasized the need for ongoing evaluation and care to understand the animals’ complete health status.
DFO stated that appropriate measures had been taken to ensure the safety of the whales during the transportation process, including the issuance of CITES permits and Fisheries Act authorizations following individual health assessments. The office of Minister Thompson expressed confidence in the rescue plan and the professionals overseeing the well-being of the animals.
Mitchell’s letter calls for the suspension of the transfer of the remaining six beluga whales, the last captive ones in Canada, until an inquiry into Peekachu’s death is concluded and the health of the other whales is verified for the journey to their new destinations. The letter highlights the stress and potential dangers associated with cetacean transport, especially for animals with compromised health.
A total of 30 belugas and four dolphins were planned for relocation as part of Marineland’s initiative to relocate all its animals due to financial constraints. The park’s attempt to sell the belugas and dolphins to a Chinese aquarium was thwarted by Ottawa, prompting Marineland to seek alternative solutions with American and Spanish aquariums.
Naomi Rose, a marine mammal biology expert at the Animal Welfare Institute, supports Animal Justice’s call for an investigation and criticized Marineland for neglecting accountability towards the whales. She expressed apprehension about potential additional whale fatalities and raised concerns about the stress and health risks associated with the relocation process.
The article also mentions the challenges of finding suitable homes for the belugas and the divided opinions on whether the whales should have been sent to a sanctuary instead of being separated and transported to various facilities. Rose highlighted the complex situation faced by the whales and the lack of a definitive solution to ensure their well-being.
Overall, the situation raises questions about the welfare of captive marine mammals and the importance of thorough health assessments and careful planning during relocations to safeguard the animals’ safety and minimize stress.
