Earlier in the current month, a plan was sanctioned by the federal government allowing the potential transfer of the 30 beluga whales residing at the closed Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ont., to new locations abroad. Due to a law established in 2019 prohibiting the breeding or entertainment use of whales, dolphins, and porpoises in Canada, the belugas are anticipated to be redistributed among an aquarium in Spain and four aquariums within the United States.
Transporting these aquatic creatures, capable of reaching lengths of up to 4.5 meters and weighing up to 1,900 kilograms, poses a significant challenge. While specific details from the destination aquariums overseeing the rescue project are still pending, insights from experts familiar with whale transportation shed light on the process.
Step 1: The Initial Preparations
Although belugas do not require passports, the team involved must obtain permits from both the Canadian government and the receiving countries to facilitate their relocation. Determining the destination for each beluga may be influenced by their individual personalities known to the trainers. Before the journey, the belugas must undergo thorough health assessments, including veterinary evaluations, bloodwork, and other necessary checks.
While Ottawa has granted approval for the relocation, additional logistical arrangements and permits are essential before the whales can be transported, as highlighted by Johnny Ford, the Vice President of Communications at the prospective destination, Shedd Aquarium.
Step 2: Training and Familiarization
Trainers typically invest months in acclimating the belugas to the tools required for their transfer from the tank. The belugas are lifted using a specially designed sling and stretcher. Training involves introducing the equipment into the tank, encouraging the belugas to interact with it, and rewarding them for compliance. The duration for belugas to adapt to the sling varies based on individual personalities, typically taking a couple of months.
Step 3: Elevating Belugas for Transportation
On the scheduled travel day, the belugas are lifted out of the tank using slings and placed into custom transport crates suspended on stretchers. The crates must provide sufficient space for the belugas to move their heads and tails comfortably, with the water level adjusted to submerge them adequately without excessive sloshing. To minimize stress, the crates are padded to reduce external noise disturbances during the journey.
Step 4: Transition and Arrival at the New Environment
Upon arrival, the belugas are once again lifted by slings and cranes from the transport crates into their new aquariums. The animals undergo quarantine procedures to ensure their health and mitigate the risk of transmitting diseases. Trainers may stay on-site to share insights and habits of the belugas with the new caretakers.
Regarding the possibility of releasing the belugas into the ocean, challenges arise due to the geopolitical complexities of returning belugas to their native habitats, particularly those originating from Russia. Releasing the Marineland belugas into the wild was deemed impractical and inhumane, given that a significant portion of them were born in captivity, lacking the essential skills for survival in the wild environment.
Overall, the rescue and relocation of the beluga whales from Marineland present a complex yet carefully orchestrated process, involving meticulous planning and coordination to ensure the well-being and safety of these majestic marine mammals.
