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, Ontario, at a Chicago aquarium. The national animal law advocacy group is also requesting DFO to pause the ongoing 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 for Animal Justice, has sent a letter to Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, urging DFO to determine how Peekachu was cleared for transportation despite apparent underlying health issues.
Before the move, health evaluations of the whales by a certified Canadian veterinarian were mandatory. Marineland was also required to verify these assessments in writing, as reported by CBC News in January.
Shedd Aquarium disclosed that Peekachu was dehydrated and experiencing poor appetite. The aquarium mentioned that Peekachu suddenly passed away while receiving medication and fluids, with a necropsy currently underway.
In response, DFO stated that adequate precautions were taken to ensure the safety of the whales. This included obtaining the necessary permits and authorizations after individual health assessments were conducted for each whale.
Animal Justice’s letter calls for the suspension of transporting the remaining six beluga whales until a thorough investigation into Peekachu’s death is concluded and the health of the other whales is confirmed for the journey to their new destinations.
Concerns have been raised by Naomi Rose, a senior scientist at the Animal Welfare Institute, regarding the wellbeing of the whales during transportation and their separation upon arrival at different facilities. Rose emphasized the need for accountability and expressed worries about potential further deaths among the whales.
The belugas from Marineland were initially intended to be sent to an aquarium in China, but the move was blocked by Ottawa due to regulations prohibiting whale and dolphin captivity. Subsequently, the belugas were relocated to various locations in the United States with the assistance of American and Spanish aquariums.
The relocation process has stirred debate, with differing opinions on the best course of action for the welfare of the beluga whales, as they face significant stress and health risks during transport.
The situation remains complex, with stakeholders striving to find the best solutions for the well-being of the belugas amidst ongoing challenges.