Home / Environment / Marineland Whales Die After Stressful Transfers
Marineland Whales Die After Stressful Transfers
23 Sep
Summary
- Four beluga whales died after transfer from Marineland.
- Transportation is highly stressful for cetaceans, impacting health.
- Whale deaths raise concerns about captive animal welfare.
Marineland, a former Ontario theme park, transferred its last 30 beluga whales and four dolphins to five destinations across the U.S. and Spain in the summer. This move followed a 2019 federal ban on keeping captive whales in the country. The operation, the largest of its kind globally, has been marred by the deaths of four belugas. Recent fatalities include three whales at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium and one at Oceanografic in Spain, with officials citing feeding difficulties and health struggles.
Experts like Naomi Rose from the Animal Welfare Institute and Valeria Vergara from the Raincoast Conservation Foundation underscore the immense stress associated with transporting belugas. The process involves cranes and partial submersion in water, which can induce a feeling of stranding. This psychological distress is directly linked to physiological issues, such as suppressed appetite and elevated stress hormones, potentially explaining the adverse outcomes.
Previous transfers of Marineland whales have also seen subsequent deaths, with conflicting explanations regarding pre-existing conditions versus the animals' health at the time of transfer. Despite government assurances of safety measures, including health assessments and permits, concerns persist. Experts predict further deaths among the remaining whales, emphasizing their unsuitability for captivity.
