After Becoming Captive to the Aquarium, Two Beluga Whales Are Returned to the Sea

A pair of beluga whales, named Little Gray and Little White, enjoy a taste of the ocean for the first time since 2011. This is thanks to a relocation project that has been fought for years.

After being captured at a young age off the coast of Russia and spending time as captives in a Chinese aquarium, the two beluga whales finally gained freedom. They are now living in a safe haven in Klettsvik Bay, Iceland, reported by CNN.

“It's been a long journey for Little Gray and Little White. The process is not easy, but it is the result of our work and love, ”said Audrey Padgett, manager of Beluga Whale Sanctuary.

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In 2011, Little Gray and Little White were transferred from a research center in Russia to Changfeng Ocean World in Shanghai. The following year, the aquarium was purchased by Merlin Entertainment, a company that opposes the breeding of whales and dolphins. From there, the idea emerged to return the beluga whale to the ocean.

Padgett said the new home of the two beluga whales was "bigger, more natural and has many advantages".

Although Padgett was not directly involved in the process of removing the pope from China, he said it was not an easy task. These beluga weigh over a ton each and consume about 110 pounds of fish per day.

The removal operation involved specially designed equipment, a veterinarian, lots of water and ice to pour them down.

Arriving in Iceland, Little Gray and Little White, were placed in a treatment facility with a quarantine pool for several months. This was done so that they could adjust to the cooler Icelandic environment.

Although the journey from a care facility to its habitat is shorter than from China, the COVID-19 pandemic is complicating it.

“We are already in a pretty remote location here in Iceland. This affects our ability to find experts who can assist with the moving process as well as the necessities of life. It took us longer than usual to do something, ”explained Padgett.

"We also need to protect our staff and quarantine them because we want healthy people to care for the animals here," he added.

Little Gray and Little White's struggle isn't over yet. They are currently in the reserve's "acclimatization room" which has allowed them to adjust safely to their new home.

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Padgett said, however, that these two beluga whales will have their freedom from now on. Little Gray and Little White will remain monitored until they get used to the marine environment.

"This is a happy ending for them, but a new chapter for other beluga whales around the world," concluded Padgett.

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