Animal Justice is urging Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to look into the death of Peekachu, a 23-year-old beluga 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 marine mammal relocation from the closed theme park until an investigation is concluded.
Peekachu arrived at Shedd Aquarium on Aug. 13 and passed away on Aug. 25. Kaitlyn Mitchell, the legal advocacy director at Animal Justice, has written to Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, seeking DFO’s assessment of how Peekachu was allowed to be transported despite evident health issues. Health evaluations by a licensed Canadian veterinarian were mandatory before the transfer, with confirmation of these assessments provided in writing by Marineland.
Shedd Aquarium mentioned that Peekachu was dehydrated and experiencing poor appetite, with efforts to provide treatment cut short by the sudden passing. DFO stated that adequate precautions were taken to ensure the safety of the whales during transport, including obtaining necessary permits and authorizations under the Fisheries Act following individual health assessments.
The letter from Mitchell requests a temporary halt to the transfer of the remaining six belugas, the last captive whales in Canada, until a thorough investigation into Peekachu’s demise is conducted and the health status of the other whales is verified. Concerns have been raised about the stress and potential risks associated with the transport of cetaceans, particularly those already compromised in health.
Marineland had initially planned to move its belugas and dolphins to China, but the Canadian government intervened, leading to alternative arrangements with American and Spanish aquariums. Naomi Rose, a marine mammal biology expert, supports Animal Justice’s call for an inquiry, expressing worries about further whale fatalities due to conditions like storage disease exacerbated by stress from transportation.
Rose criticized Marineland for neglecting accountability towards the whales, emphasizing the need for responsible actions to safeguard these intelligent and social animals. The ongoing separation and relocation of the belugas to various facilities have raised concerns about additional stress on the animals. While some suggest waiting for sanctuary options, Marineland’s concerns about existing sanctuaries and developing alternatives have complicated the situation.
The uncertainties surrounding the welfare of the belugas and the challenges in finding suitable solutions add to the dilemma faced by all involved parties. Amid conflicting viewpoints on the best course of action, the welfare and safety of the belugas remain a top priority.