Animal Justice is urging Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to look into the passing of Peekachu, a 23-year-old beluga whale from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario at a Chicago aquarium. The national animal law advocacy organization is also requesting DFO to pause the ongoing transfer of marine mammals from the closed theme park until an inquiry is finished.
Peekachu was brought to Shedd Aquarium on August 13 and sadly perished on August 25. Kaitlyn Mitchell, the legal advocacy director of Animal Justice, has written to Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, asking DFO to investigate how Peekachu was cleared for transport despite apparent health issues.
Before the move, health evaluations by a certified Canadian veterinarian were mandatory for the whales. Additionally, Marineland had to confirm these assessments in writing, as reported by a source to CBC News in January.
Shedd Aquarium mentioned that Peekachu was dehydrated and had a poor appetite. The aquarium stated that Peekachu passed away unexpectedly while receiving medication and fluids. A necropsy is currently being conducted.
According to DFO, appropriate measures were taken to ensure the whales’ safety, including issuing necessary permits and authorizations after individual health assessments. Marineland was contacted for comment but did not respond before publication.
Animal Justice’s letter calls for the suspension of the transportation of the remaining six belugas, the last captive whales in Canada, until Peekachu’s death is investigated and the health of the other whales is confirmed for the journey to their new locations.
Concerns have been raised about the well-being of the whales during transportation, with fears of additional deaths. Naomi Rose, a senior scientist at the Animal Welfare Institute, supports Animal Justice’s request for an investigation and criticized Marineland for neglecting accountability for the whales.
The relocation of Marineland’s belugas to various facilities has raised concerns about the stress caused by separation and transport. Rose emphasized the need for responsible actions to ensure the welfare of the whales during this process.