Animal Justice has urged Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to launch an inquiry into the death of Peekachu, a 23-year-old beluga whale from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, 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 the investigation is finished.
Peekachu was transported to Shedd Aquarium on August 13 and passed away on August 25. Kaitlyn Mitchell, Animal Justice’s legal advocacy director, has written to Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, raising concerns about how Peekachu was cleared for transport despite apparent health issues.
Before the move, accredited Canadian veterinarians were required to conduct health evaluations on the whales. Marineland was also instructed to confirm these assessments in writing, as reported by CBC News earlier this year.
Shedd Aquarium stated that Peekachu was dehydrated and had a poor appetite, leading to her sudden passing while receiving medical attention. A necropsy is underway to determine the cause of death.
DFO has mentioned that necessary measures have been taken to ensure the safety of the whales during transportation, including obtaining CITES permits and Fisheries Act authorizations following individual health assessments.
Animal Justice’s letter calls for the suspension of the relocation of the remaining six beluga whales 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 destinations.
A total of 30 belugas and four dolphins were planned for relocation as Marineland moves its animals due to financial constraints. The park initially attempted to sell the animals to a Chinese aquarium, but the move was blocked by the Canadian government due to legislation prohibiting whale and dolphin captivity.
Concerns have been raised by experts, including Naomi Rose from the Animal Welfare Institute, regarding the stress and potential risks faced by the whales during transportation and separation to various facilities. Previous cases of whale deaths due to storage disease post-transport have been noted.
Rose emphasized the need for accountability in ensuring the well-being of these intelligent and social animals and expressed worries about potential additional whale fatalities. She highlighted the challenging situation faced by the belugas and emphasized the importance of finding the most suitable solution for their welfare.
