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 rights group has also requested DFO to pause the current transfer of marine mammals from the closed theme park until a full investigation is conducted.
Peekachu was transported to Shedd Aquarium on Aug. 13 and died on Aug. 25. Kaitlyn Mitchell, the legal advocacy director of Animal Justice, has written to Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, asking DFO to determine how Peekachu was cleared for transport despite evident health issues.
Health assessments of the whales were mandated by an accredited Canadian veterinarian before the relocation. Marineland had to validate these assessments in writing, as per a source cited by CBC News in January.
Shedd Aquarium disclosed that Peekachu was dehydrated and had poor appetite. The aquarium mentioned that Peekachu passed away unexpectedly while being administered medication and fluids, with a necropsy underway.
DFO has commented that they took appropriate measures for the safety of the whales. The Canadian government ensured the whales’ safety by issuing necessary CITES permits after reviewing the transportation plan and granting Fisheries Act authorizations post individual health checks for each whale.
Animal Justice’s letter urges the suspension of the transfer of the six remaining belugas until an investigation into Peekachu’s death is finalized and the health of the other whales is confirmed for the journey to new locations.
A total of 30 belugas and four dolphins were slated for relocation from Marineland as the park relocates all animals due to financial constraints. The initial sale of the belugas and dolphins to a Chinese aquarium was blocked by Ottawa, leading Marineland to seek help from American and Spanish aquariums, including SeaWorld locations.
Naomi Rose, a marine mammal biology scientist, supports Animal Justice’s call for an investigation and voiced concerns over more potential whale deaths. She highlighted the stress on belugas during transport and expressed worries about the whales’ well-being in different facilities.
Rose criticized Marineland for the handling of the whales and emphasized the need for accountability. She cited a genetic condition known as storage disease, which could have affected Peekachu and other whales during the relocation process.
She pointed out that two of the three whales that perished at Mystic Aquarium after being moved from Marineland were diagnosed with storage disease. Rose stressed the importance of minimizing stress on the whales during transport.
Rose criticized the separation of the whales during transport, emphasizing the need for better solutions to ensure the well-being of the animals. She expressed skepticism about keeping the whales at Marineland and suggested exploring sanctuary options.