In a significant step towards liberation, Canada has struck a tentative agreement to relocate 30 beluga whales from Marineland amusement park in Niagara Falls to four aquariums in the United States. This decision, announced by federal fisheries minister Joanne Thompson, marks a hopeful shift in the ongoing struggle to address animal welfare and captivity issues. However, the path ahead is fraught with challenges, as no aquariums have yet confirmed their willingness to accept the whales.
The Logistics of Relocation
Preparing for the transport of these majestic creatures is no small feat. Former trainers reveal that moving a single beluga entails meticulous planning, and transporting an entire group is exponentially more complex. Each whale must first undergo a thorough veterinary examination to ensure they are fit for travel. Unfortunately, some of the belugas have been receiving medical treatment for various health concerns in recent months, complicating the logistics even further.
“Every animal is compromised to an extent due to captivity, and at Marineland, the situation is particularly dire,” explains Phil Demers, a former trainer and whistleblower. His insights underscore the distress these animals have endured, a reality acknowledged by the Ontario government when it declared the whales ‘in distress’ following an inspection of Marineland in 2021.
The Journey Ahead
For those belugas deemed healthy enough for travel, a carefully orchestrated process will unfold. Trainers will fast the whales the night before their flight and administer a calming dose of Valium. The following day, trainers will lower the water in their tanks to facilitate the transfer into fabric slings designed to support their bodies. Once secured, the whales will be lifted with a crane and placed into specially designed transport boxes filled with saltwater.
The sheer scale of this operation is daunting. The transport boxes, each approximately 15 feet long, will be loaded onto trucks and then transported to a Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft, favoured for its ability to accommodate such heavy cargo. Given the weight of the whales, up to nine can be moved in a single flight, though the last transfer of belugas from Marineland in 2021 resulted in the tragic deaths of three out of five transported due to pre-existing health conditions.
A Heart-Wrenching Bargaining Chip
The belugas have become a contentious issue, with Marineland’s threats to euthanise the whales highlighting the desperate situation. Animal rights advocates have decried the cruel reality of these negotiations, calling it “heartbreaking” that the whales may never experience true freedom in a sanctuary. Camille Labchuk, executive director of Animal Justice, emphasized the urgency of ensuring that the whales do not face breeding in the US, as it remains illegal in Canada. “These animals must be the last generation to suffer in captivity,” she stated.
Kristy Burgess, a former beluga trainer with three years of experience at Marineland, expressed her joy at the news of the potential relocation. “I feel super excited. They’ll be going to facilities with world-class veterinarians and highly qualified staff, all in places with genuine oversight,” she said.
Despite Marineland’s threats and its history of treating these animals as mere commodities, the park expressed gratitude to the federal government for tentatively approving the export permits, highlighting a shift in priorities towards the welfare of these remarkable marine mammals.
Why it Matters
The impending relocation of these 30 beluga whales represents more than just a logistical challenge; it is a pivotal moment in the broader struggle for animal rights and welfare. As the world grapples with the ethical implications of keeping intelligent beings in captivity, this operation underscores the urgent need for systemic change. By prioritising the health and freedom of these belugas, Canada sets a precedent for how we should treat sentient creatures everywhere. The hope is that this initiative not only brings relief to the whales but also catalyses a global movement towards ending the captivity of marine life.
