Animal Justice is urging Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to look into the passing of Peekachu, a 23-year-old beluga whale from Marineland located in Niagara Falls, Ontario, at a Chicago aquarium. The organization is also requesting DFO to pause the current efforts to relocate marine mammals from the closed theme park until an investigation is concluded.
Peekachu was transferred to Shedd Aquarium on August 13 and sadly passed away on August 25. Kaitlyn Mitchell, the legal advocacy director at Animal Justice, has written a letter to Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, urging DFO to ascertain how Peekachu was cleared for transport despite apparent health issues.
Before the move, health evaluations by an accredited Canadian veterinarian were mandatory for the whales. Additionally, Marineland had to confirm these assessments in writing, as per a source that spoke to CBC News in January.
Shedd Aquarium mentioned that Peekachu was dehydrated and had a poor appetite. The aquarium stated that Peekachu passed away suddenly while receiving medication and fluids, with a necropsy underway.
DFO stated that they had taken appropriate measures to ensure the safety of the whales. This included issuing the necessary permits and authorizations after individual health assessments were conducted for each whale.
Animal Justice’s letter calls for a halt to the transportation of the remaining six belugas, the last captive whales in Canada, until the investigation into Peekachu’s death is completed and the health of the other whales is confirmed for the journey to their new homes.
A total of 30 belugas and four dolphins were scheduled to be relocated as Marineland transitions all its animals away from the property due to financial constraints.
Concerns have been raised by Naomi Rose, a senior scientist at the Animal Welfare Institute, regarding more possible whale deaths and the stress involved in the relocation process. She supports Animal Justice’s call for an investigation and criticized Marineland for not taking responsibility for the whales’ well-being.
Rose highlighted the challenges faced by the relocated whales in adjusting to new facilities and being separated, emphasizing that the issues were not the fault of the receiving facilities. She advocated for the whales to be sent to a sanctuary instead.
The situation regarding the relocation of the Marineland whales remains complex, with differing opinions on the best course of action for their well-being.