Relocating captive animals is tough and time-consuming, but transporting two beluga whales to another continent in the midst of a pandemic is far more challenging. Regardless, these two whales, known as Little Gray and Little White, were freed from captivity and sent to Iceland as part of a two-year relocation operation.
The creatures were rescued from Shanghai, China’s Ocean World water park. Both whales were taken as babies off the coast of Russia and sent to a Chinese aquarium in 2011.
They were moved by the Sea Life Trust charity to the Beluga Whale Sanctuary, the world’s first open water sanctuary.
Despite the fact that it was a 6,000-mile journey, everything was meticulously planned by the organization and executed flawlessly. These creatures will once again feel the sea in their bodies for the first time in over a decade.
The organization said both 12-year-old animals made it safely to Klettsvik Bay, and it is only a matter of time before they are released into the open water area.
Audrey Padgett, general manager of the Sanctuary, told CNN :
“It’s been quite a journey for these two. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s definitely been a labor of love.”
After Merlin Entertainments purchased the aquarium, the notion of relocating the whales arose, as the corporation is opposed to keeping the creatures in captivity. This is how the best way to carry the two females, who each weigh about 4,000 pounds and eat 110 pounds of fish every day, was devised.
To keep them wet, the procedure required specially specialized transportation equipment, veterinarians, and enough of ice and water.
The whales were placed in special slings with foam matting customized to their body proportions for the voyage to Iceland. All of this was done to soften the impacts of the convoluted route, which included a truck, a Boeing cargo jet, and a port tug.
The animals had previously been through multiple training with the crew in charge before departing on the journey, so they were acclimated to mobility.
The excitement of both whales could be seen during the voyage, as all they did was grin and play games with their rescuers.
Little Grey was characterized by the staff as lively and naughty, having a penchant for spitting water at everyone. Little White is more quiet and peaceful on her end, but she has built strong relationships with the caretakers and will not stop playing with them.
After the entire process and despite the complications that were experienced due to the pandemic; finally, both whales arrived safely at their destination.
The director of the Sea Life Trust, Andy Bool, told the Daily Mail:
“We are ecstatic to report that Little Gray and Little White are secure in their marine sanctuary care pools and are just one step away from being released into their natural habitat.”
Andy went on:
“The first step of his return to the water went as smoothly as we anticipated and planned after rigorous preparation and rehearsals.”
It should be noted that this operation was financed thanks to a substantial donation made by the company that owns the aquarium to the charity. The odyssey of both cetaceans is not over yet, as they will spend several days in the pools to adapt to the cold climate of Iceland.
They will be released after they have been groomed and acclimatized, so they may enjoy their new home.
Thanks to everyone, Little Gray and Little White have progressed from doing stunts to living lives they truly deserve.
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