Two captive beluga whales have been released into a world first beluga whale sanctuary in Klettsvik Bay in Iceland.

The ten year old females named Little White and Little Grey were rescued from a life of captivity and cruelty in Chang Feng Ocean Park, Shanghai, China. The sanctuary was opened off the coast of Iceland by Sea Life Trust where belugas naturally live. Little white and Little Grey survived a 30 hour journey by air, land and sea, and are now awaiting their full release into their new home after a few weeks of acclimation. Watch the video of their release here

Beluga whales are the smallest of all whales and recognisable for their white skin colour at maturity, lack of dorsal fin, and prominent rounded forehead. Like many whales they live naturally in social pods and have highly complex communication abilities and can even mimic a variety of environmental sounds. Because of their appearance and their intelligence they have been captured and exploited as entertainment globally for many years. There are estimated to be around 300 beluga whales in captivity globally and we hope Little Grey and Little White are the first of many to be rescued from a life of cruelty.

After being in captivity for many years it's unlikely the whales would survive in the wild, so a sanctuary that allows them freedom in their natural habitat with some added protection is essential for a better chance of survival in their natural environment. It is important continue to raise awareness and to not support any organisations that use animals as entertainment as all animals in these circumstances live an unnatural and unhealthy life. 

For more on the exploitation of animals for entertainment in Asia see our previous blogs on The Cost of Wildlife Tourism in Asia 

Courtesy of Kt Dallison

Main source: The Independent