According to the Sea Life Trust, two beluga whales have been successfully re-homed in a new sea sanctuary after 10 years of being out of the ocean.
The whales named Little Grey and Little White have been kept in captivity for most of their lives and have spent almost a whole decade in a Chinese aquarium where they were trained for tricks for live audience performance.
Before that, they also had a rough period-they were held in a Russian research centre.
Finally, 2 Beluga Whales Will Live Freely
Today, the stunning 12-year-old whales will live in the Klettsvik Bay in Island. Emotional photos of the transfer show the whales being transported into the adjustment pools using a special sling-they’re over the moon for their new residence!
Although they’ll need some time to adjust to their new natural environment before they release them into the wider sanctuary there, so far, the pair is eating good and making important progress.
They will be checked out all the time to ensure they’re settling properly and safely. The belugas travelled 6000 miles to be re-homed and also flew for 12 hours after the Sea Life Trust saved them last year.
The Safest Transfer Was Planned & Rehearsed
The team ensured the safest and comfiest journey for the whales. The transfer into the water was done using specially-designed slings with customized foam matting for cushioning purposes.
They were kept cool and damp with the help of misters and the caring team was with them all the way through.
The whales were released into the pools to be monitored and cared during the period of acclimatization.
The head of the Sea Life Trust, Andy Bool said that they’re beyond happy that the whales are safe in their sanctuary pools and one step away from living into the open waters.
This release into the ocean comes after extensive period of planning and rehearsals. This is indeed amazing news and we hope that the rest of these whales’ lives is the happiest it can be.
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