Two captive belugas were given the chance of a better life when they were relocated from China to a new sanctuary in Iceland.
The 11-year-olds, known as Little Grey and Little White, had spent seven years performing for audiences at Changfeng Ocean World in Shanghai.
But in 2019, thanks to the British charity Sea Life Trust, they were freed and transported 6,000 miles around the world—30 hours by air, land, and sea—to reach the world’s first retirement home for oceanic animal performers.
Over the past year, the female pair has been cared for inside specialized pools on Heimaey Island.
Now they’ve made another big transition: On August 8, Little Grey and Little White were moved to the open-water section of the beluga sanctuary in Klettsvik Bay.
It’s the first time in 11 years that the belugas have swum in the ocean.
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Cathy Williamson, who runs the End Captivity program at Whale and Dolphin Conservation, told China Daily, “The world’s first whale sanctuary represents a pathway to the end of the keeping of whales and dolphins confined for entertainment. We are proud to be a partner of this important project that will improve welfare for these belugas, and show the world that there is an alternative to whale and dolphin captivity.”
The bay itself is large, secluded, and beautiful. At 30 feet (nine meters) deep and 344,445ft² wide, there’s lots of space for Little White and Little Grey to swim and explore, to play and make big dives in the water.
Now that they’re in their new home, these two belugas have been showing off their personalities.
According to the Sea Life Trust team, “Little Grey is a very playful whale. She is always curious and willing to learn new things. She also has a mischievous side to her personality and likes to spit water at the Animal Care Team.”
As for Little White? She’s a little shy, but she “still likes to play and forms close bonds with her handlers.”
Andy Bool, who’s the head of the Sea Life Trust, says of their big move:
“We’re absolutely 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 of time to acclimatize to their new natural environment and all the outdoor elements before their final release into the wider sanctuary in Klettsvik Bay.”
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“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.”
If they adapt to their new home, they could enjoy several more decades of life in a natural habitat—and the sanctuary hopes to welcome other retiring aquatic performers in the future.
WATCH the beautiful video showing their homecoming…
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