Animal Justice has urged 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 national animal advocacy group is also requesting DFO to pause the ongoing transfer of marine mammals from the closed theme park until an inquiry is concluded.
Peekachu was brought to Shedd Aquarium on Aug. 13 and unfortunately passed away on Aug. 25. Kaitlyn Mitchell, the legal advocacy director of Animal Justice, has written to Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, seeking clarification on how Peekachu was allowed to be transported despite apparent health issues.
Before the relocation, health evaluations of the whales by a certified Canadian veterinarian were mandatory. It was also revealed by a source to CBC News in January that Marineland had to verify these assessments in writing.
Shedd Aquarium disclosed that Peekachu was dehydrated and experiencing poor appetite. The aquarium stated that Peekachu passed away suddenly while receiving medical care, with a necropsy in progress.
DFO has stated that necessary precautions were taken for the whales’ safety. The Canadian government ensured the issuance of CITES permits after reviewing the transport plan and provided Fisheries Act authorizations post individual health assessments for each whale.
Animal Justice’s letter has urged a halt to the transportation of the remaining six belugas – the last captive whales in Canada – until a thorough investigation into Peekachu’s death is conducted and the health of the other whales is confirmed for the journey to their new locations.
Concerns have been raised by Naomi Rose, a senior scientist for marine mammal biology, regarding the well-being of the belugas during the stressful relocation process. She supports Animal Justice’s call for an investigation and has expressed worries about potential further whale casualties.
Rose highlighted the possibility of storage disease, a genetic condition causing organ damage due to the accumulation of fats and sugars, as a contributing factor to the whales’ health issues. She emphasized the distressing nature of the relocation process for the whales, involving multiple modes of transport and environmental changes.
The article also discusses Marineland’s decision to transfer its belugas and dolphins to various facilities, including SeaWorld locations, after a failed attempt to move them to China. The relocation has stirred controversy over the treatment and well-being of the animals, with ongoing concerns about their health and safety.