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 law advocacy group is also requesting DFO to pause the ongoing transfer of marine mammals from the closed park until an inquiry is finished.
Peekachu was brought to Shedd Aquarium on Aug. 13 and unfortunately died on Aug. 25. Kaitlyn Mitchell, the legal advocacy director at Animal Justice, has written to Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, asking DFO to investigate how Peekachu was cleared for transportation despite apparent health issues.
Prior to the relocation, health evaluations of the whales by a certified Canadian veterinarian were mandatory. Marineland was also required to verify the assessments in writing, as reported by CBC News in January.
Shedd Aquarium disclosed that Peekachu was dehydrated and had a poor appetite. The aquarium stated that Peekachu passed away suddenly while receiving medication and fluids. A necropsy is currently being conducted.
DFO has stated that appropriate measures were taken to ensure the whales’ safety, including issuing necessary permits and authorizations following health assessments. The Canadian government remains confident in the rescue plan and the professionals caring for the animals.
Animal Justice’s letter calls for a halt in the transportation of the six remaining beluga whales, the last in captivity in Canada, until the investigation into Peekachu’s death is concluded and the other whales are deemed fit for travel.
Concerns have been raised about the stress and potential risks associated with cetacean transport, especially for animals with existing health conditions. Marineland had planned to move a total of 30 belugas and four dolphins as part of relocating all animals from the park due to financial constraints.
Naomi Rose, a marine mammal biology scientist at the Animal Welfare Institute, supports Animal Justice’s request for an investigation. Rose criticized Marineland for neglecting responsibility towards the whales, emphasizing the need for accountability.
There are fears that more whales may perish during the relocation process, with Rose highlighting the genetic condition known as storage disease, worsened by stress, as a potential factor. She emphasized the stressful nature of the transportation process for the whales.
Rose also mentioned that two of the three whales that died at Mystic Aquarium after being moved from Marineland were diagnosed with storage disease posthumously. The separation of the whales during transport to various facilities could increase their stress levels.
While expressing concerns about the well-being of the whales, Rose mentioned the challenges faced in finding suitable homes for them. The debate continues on the best course of action for the welfare of the belugas from Marineland.