Animal Justice is urging Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to launch an inquiry into the demise of Peekachu, a 23-year-old beluga from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, at a Chicago aquarium. The national animal law advocacy group is also demanding that DFO suspend the ongoing transfer of marine mammals from the closed theme park until a thorough investigation is conducted.
Peekachu was transferred to Shedd Aquarium on August 13 and passed away 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 transportation despite apparent health issues.
The health assessments of the whales by a certified Canadian veterinarian were mandatory before the relocation. It was also stated by a source to CBC News in January that Marineland had to confirm these assessments in writing.
Shedd Aquarium disclosed that Peekachu was dehydrated and had a poor appetite. The aquarium mentioned in an earlier statement that Peekachu suddenly passed away while receiving medication and fluids, with a necropsy being conducted.
DFO has stated that it has taken “reasonable steps” to ensure the safety of the whales. These steps included issuing the necessary CITES permits after reviewing the transportation plan and providing Fisheries Act authorizations following individual health evaluations for each whale.
Mitchell’s letter requests the suspension of the transfer of the remaining six belugas, the last captive whales in Canada, until an investigation into Peekachu’s death is concluded and the health of the other whales is verified for the journey to their new locations.
A total of 30 belugas and four dolphins were planned to be relocated as Marineland relocates all its animals due to financial constraints. Marineland initially tried to send its belugas and dolphins to China, but the move was blocked by Ottawa due to legislation prohibiting whale and dolphin captivity, breeding, and performances.
Naomi Rose, a senior scientist at the Animal Welfare Institute, supports Animal Justice’s call for an investigation and expressed concerns about more whale deaths, citing the stress and health risks associated with transportation.
Rose highlighted the risks faced by the whales during the relocation process, emphasizing the need for accountability and proper care for these intelligent and social animals. She also mentioned the potential health issues associated with stress and transportation for the belugas.
The whales from Marineland have been distributed to various facilities, causing further stress due to separation. Rose believes that Marineland should have delayed the transfer to a sanctuary, but Marineland’s owners argued that the proposed sanctuary in Nova Scotia is not suitable due to pollution and delays in development.
Rose described the situation as a dilemma for the welfare of the whales, expressing uncertainty about the best course of action for their well-being.