Remember those weekend trips to aquariums like SeaWorld, back when you were a kid? Marine animals like dolphins, whales, orcas, and stingrays often perform for humans in such places. But we can’t ignore that this is an act of cruelty that keeps these creatures from living freely in their natural habitat. They don’t deserve to live in captivity in big aquariums as a source of entertainment for humans.
According to People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals (PETA), these poor water animals are often drugged to control their behavior. They are then forced to train and perform tricks. By being confined to the park and shuffled to and from different aquariums, they are forced to be away from their family members. Many of them die a premature death. It is vital to protect marine animals and bring them back to the ocean where they can thrive peacefully.
Little Grey and Little White Are Beluga Whales.
Source: via Metaspoon
Little Grey and Little White are beluga whale siblings. They are both 11 years old and, as you can see, very friendly and adorable.
They Spent 7 Years of Their Life Entertaining People At An Aquarium Park.
Source: via Metaspoon
The two belugas spent more than half their lives performing at Changfeng Ocean World in Shanghai, China.
Luckily, A British Charity Organization Rescued Them.
Source: via Metaspoon
In 2019, the whales were saved by a non-profit organization called Sea Life Trust. From China, they were transported 6000 miles to Westman Islands, south of Iceland. This is where you’ll find the world’s first retirement home for ocean animals. The sanctuary aims to cater to ex-performers for big Aquarium parks like Changfeng Ocean World.
Little White and Little Grey are the first residents of the Beluga Whale Sanctuary. Their journey to freedom wasn’t comfortable, considering how much time and effort went into transferring them. But it was all worth the effort, and more!
The Duo Stayed In Special Pools For A Year Before Their Release.
Source: via Sea Life Trust
To ease their way into living in the ocean full-time, the pair temporarily stayed in pools located on Heimaey Island. This was necessary for them to prepare for the transition since they had lived in the aquarium for most of their lives.
Finally, On August 8, The Two Beluga Whales Experienced The Ocean.
Source: via Sea Life Trust
Little White and Little Grey experienced swimming in the ocean for the first time in 11 years. The Sea Life Trust staff proceeded to transfer them into an open-water section of the Beluga Whale Sanctuary, where they learned to catch fish and interact with other wild animals.
Their Personalities Have Blossomed So Much After The Transition!
Source: via Sea Life Trust
Now that they’re safe from captivity and have put their old lives behind them, the whale siblings have started to express their personalities more freely. Little Grey has become more curious, playful, and mischievous, while Little White is a bit reserved. But even if she appears a little shy, she loves to play and bond with her caretakers.
Sea Life Trust Wants Little Grey And Little White To Adapt Fully To Their New Environment.
Source: via Sea Life Trust
According to the Head of Sea Life Trust, Andy Bool, “We’re delighted to be able to share the news that Little Grey and Little White are now in their bayside care pool and will need a short period to acclimatize to their new natural environment and all the outdoor elements…”
…Then These Beluga Whales Will Be Released into Klettsvik Bay!
Source: via Metaspoon
Releasing them into the open-bay was just a trial to make them familiar with ocean water. The ultimate goal is to release them into Klettvisk Bay, where they can finally live their everyday lives.
The Plan For Their Release Is Going Smoothly With The Help Of Professionals.
Source: via Sea Life Trust
The planned transition has been going very well for Little White and Little Grey with the support of a team of professionals. They have been preparing the duo for the big day in every possible way.
“Following extensive planning and rehearsals, the first stage of their release back to the ocean was as smooth as we had hoped and planned for. We are carefully monitoring Little Grey and Little White with our expert care team and veterinarians,” Bool said.
These beluga whale siblings deserve a wonderful life ahead!
