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 also demands a pause in the ongoing transfer of marine mammals from the closed theme park until a thorough investigation is carried out.
Peekachu was transported to Shedd Aquarium on August 13 and sadly died on August 25. Kaitlyn Mitchell, the legal advocacy director at Animal Justice, has written to Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, requesting DFO to determine how Peekachu was cleared for transport despite evident health issues.
Before the relocation, accredited Canadian veterinarians were required to conduct health evaluations on the whales, as per sources disclosed to CBC News in January. Shedd Aquarium reported that Peekachu was dehydrated and had poor appetite, leading to her sudden demise during efforts to provide medication and fluids.
DFO stated that appropriate measures were taken to ensure the safety of the whales, including obtaining necessary permits and authorizations after individual health assessments. Mitchell’s letter emphasizes the need to halt the transportation of the remaining six belugas until the investigation into Peekachu’s death is concluded and the fitness of the other whales for the journey is verified.
Concerns have been raised by Naomi Rose, a marine mammal biology expert, regarding the stressful transport process for the belugas, particularly those already compromised in health. She supports Animal Justice’s call for an inquiry and criticizes Marineland for neglecting accountability. Rose also fears more whale deaths due to potential health issues exacerbated by stress during transportation.
The whales from Marineland have been dispersed to various facilities, causing additional stress from separation. Rose believes that instead of sending the whales to new locations, Marineland should have waited for a sanctuary option. The park’s owners cited pollution and lack of immediate development at the proposed Nova Scotia sanctuary as reasons for not waiting.
Rose expressed uncertainty about the best course of action for the whales, acknowledging the complexity of the situation and the challenges in finding a suitable solution.