World’s first sanctuary for beluga whales kept at aquarium is created in Iceland
THE world’s first beluga whale sanctuary is being created to rehome mammals kept in captivity.
Two females called Little Grey and Little White will be the wildlife haven’s initial residents when they are transported from the Chinese aquarium they have been cooped up in since 2011.
It is hoped the Sea Life Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary in Iceland will help bring an end to whales and dolphins being held captive for entertainment.
Trust chief Andy Bool said: “We’re delighted to break new ground in marine animal welfare. This project is a pioneering solution to how the aquarium industry can reshape the futures of whales in captivity.
“We believe providing a more natural habitat for Little Grey and Little White to dive into cool waters and interact with the natural environment will greatly enhance their quality of life.”
The sanctuary is being set up in partnership with Whale and Dolphin Conservation at a bay on Heimaey island, off Iceland’s southern coast.
It will be a more natural home for the pair than in the aquarium. WDC chief executive Chris Butler-stroud said: “We hope it will create a blueprint for further such sanctuaries for belugas and other captive whales and dolphins, which are desperately needed to address the risks captivity poses to their health and welfare.”
Little Grey and Little White, both 12 years old, will move from Shanghai’s Changfeng Ocean World to the sanctuary next spring.
They will make the 6,000-mile trip by air, land and sea and are undergoing training to get them used to the equipment that will transport them. The sanctuary, backed by a donation from Merlin Entertainments, will comprise a natural sea inlet and include a landside care facility and visitor centre, which will help off-set long term running costs.
But the Sea Life Trust insisted it “will be very carefully controlled to ensure the whales are not disturbed in their new and very natural environment”.
It is hoped more captive belugas will be taken to the sanctuary. But there are no plans to house dolphins.