Animal Justice has urged Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to look into the passing of Peekachu, a 23-year-old beluga from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ont., at a Chicago aquarium. The national animal law advocacy group has also called for a pause in the ongoing relocation of marine mammals from the closed theme park until an investigation is concluded.
Peekachu was transferred to Shedd Aquarium on Aug. 13 and sadly passed away on Aug. 25. Kaitlyn Mitchell, the legal advocacy director at Animal Justice, has written to Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, requesting DFO to examine how Peekachu was allowed for transport despite apparent health issues.
Before the move, health assessments of the whales by a certified Canadian veterinarian were mandatory. Shedd Aquarium mentioned that Peekachu was dehydrated and had a poor appetite, leading to its sudden demise.
DFO has stated that they have taken appropriate measures to ensure the safety of the whales. This involved evaluating the transportation plan, providing necessary CITES permits, and obtaining Fisheries Act authorizations after individual health assessments for each whale were carried out.
Animal Justice’s letter calls for the suspension of the transportation of the remaining six belugas, the last captive whales in Canada, until the investigation into Peekachu’s death is finalized and the health of the other whales is confirmed for the journey to their new destinations.
Concerns about additional whale deaths have been raised by Naomi Rose, a senior scientist at the Animal Welfare Institute, who supports Animal Justice’s request for an investigation. Rose highlighted the stress of cetacean transport and the potential risks to already compromised animals.
The relocation of Marineland’s belugas and dolphins to various facilities in the U.S. has been ongoing due to financial constraints at the park. This move was necessitated after a failed attempt to sell the animals to an aquarium in China, resulting in a threat to euthanize the whales unless emergency funding was provided by Ottawa.
Rose expressed worries about the separation and stress caused by the whales being sent to different facilities, emphasizing the need for accountability in ensuring the well-being of these intelligent and social animals.
The ongoing challenges faced in finding suitable homes for Marineland’s belugas have led to debates about the best course of action for their welfare. Rose highlighted the complexities involved and the need for a comprehensive solution that prioritizes the health and safety of the marine mammals.