Animal Justice is urging 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 organization is also requesting DFO to pause the ongoing transfer of marine mammals from the closed theme park until an inquiry is finished.
Peekachu arrived at Shedd Aquarium on August 13 and sadly passed away on August 25. Kaitlyn Mitchell, the legal advocacy director of Animal Justice, has written to Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, asking DFO to investigate how Peekachu was cleared for transport despite apparent health issues.
Before the move, accredited Canadian veterinarians had to conduct health evaluations of the whales, as confirmed by a source to CBC News in January. Shedd Aquarium disclosed that Peekachu was dehydrated and had a poor appetite, mentioning ongoing efforts to provide care and a necropsy being carried out.
DFO has stated that they took appropriate actions to ensure the safety of the whales during the relocation process. This included reviewing the transportation plan, issuing necessary permits, and authorizing under the Fisheries Act after individual health assessments were completed.
Animal Justice’s letter calls for a halt to the transport of the remaining six belugas – the last captive whales in Canada – until Peekachu’s death investigation is concluded and the health of the other whales is verified for the journey. Concerns have been raised about the stress and potential risks of transporting cetaceans, especially those already compromised in health.
Marineland had plans to move 30 belugas and four dolphins to China initially, but the move was blocked by Ottawa due to regulations prohibiting whale and dolphin captivity. Facing financial constraints, Marineland sought alternative arrangements with American and Spanish aquariums, including SeaWorld locations and the Georgia Aquarium.
There are worries about more whale casualties, with Naomi Rose from the Animal Welfare Institute supporting Animal Justice’s appeal for an inquiry. She highlighted concerns over the whales’ well-being during transportation and emphasized the need for accountability and responsible care for these animals.
Rose mentioned the possibility of storage disease affecting the whales, a genetic condition exacerbated by stress, which could lead to organ damage. She also underscored the stressors faced during relocation, including being removed from water, transported in various containers, and exposed to loud noises.
Moreover, concerns have been raised regarding the separation and additional stress experienced by the whales as they are distributed to different facilities. Rose suggested that Marineland should have waited for a sanctuary option rather than rushing the transfers.
The complexities surrounding the relocation of the belugas and the challenges in finding suitable solutions have led to a debate about the best course of action for the well-being of these animals. The uncertainties and risks involved in the process have sparked calls for thorough investigations and careful considerations to ensure the safety and welfare of the remaining whales.