Animal Justice has urged Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to look into the demise of Peekachu, a 23-year-old beluga from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ont., at a Chicago aquarium. The organization is also calling for the suspension of the ongoing efforts to relocate marine mammals from the closed theme park until an investigation is concluded.
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 requested DFO to investigate how Peekachu was permitted for transportation despite evident underlying health issues.
Proper health evaluations by an accredited Canadian veterinarian were mandatory before the relocation. Additionally, Marineland had to confirm these assessments in writing as reported by CBC News in January.
Shedd Aquarium disclosed that Peekachu was dehydrated and had a poor appetite. The aquarium mentioned that Peekachu suddenly passed away while receiving medication and fluids, and a necropsy is underway.
DFO stated that necessary measures were taken to ensure the safety of the whales during transportation. The Canadian government issued the required permits and authorizations after thorough health assessments for each whale.
Animal Justice’s letter calls for a halt in the transportation of the remaining six belugas, the last captive whales in Canada, until the investigation into Peekachu’s death is concluded and the health of the other whales is verified.
Marineland had initially planned to sell its belugas and dolphins to an aquarium in China but the move was blocked by Ottawa due to a law prohibiting whale and dolphin captivity, breeding, and performances. Following this, Marineland sought help from American and Spanish aquariums, resulting in the relocation of its belugas to SeaWorld locations and the Georgia Aquarium.
Naomi Rose, a senior scientist at the Animal Welfare Institute, supports Animal Justice’s plea for an investigation into Peekachu’s death. She expressed concerns about the stress and risks faced by the whales during transportation, highlighting the need for accountability in caring for these intelligent and social animals.
Rose’s concerns extend to the separation and relocation of the Marineland whales to various facilities, causing additional stress. She emphasized the importance of evaluating the welfare of the whales and ensuring their safety during such transitions.