Two beluga whales are transported from captivity in China to swim in the sea for the first time
The SEA LIFE Trust is delighted to confirm that two beluga whales are now safely in their new sea sanctuary care area at Klettsvik Bay in Iceland.
Little Grey and Little White are enjoying their first taste of open water in 9 years, thanks to a leviathan relocation project.
In 2011, the pair were captured off the coast of Russia and spent years in a Chinese aquarium where they were trained to perform in front of audiences.
Little Grey and Little White traveled 6,000 miles, flying for around 30 hours, to the world's first open water sanctuary for belugas on August 8, 2020.
"We're absolutely delighted to be able to share the news that Little Grey and Little White are safely in their sea sanctuary care pools and are just one step away from being released into their wider open water home," said Andy Bool, Head of SEA LIFE Trust, a British charity working globally to protect the world's oceans.
"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 and hope to announce their final release very soon."
The sanctuary, operated by the SEA LIFE Trust and which is the first of its kind, was built with the support of a generous donation from Merlin Entertainments and created in partnership with Whale and Dolphin Conservation.
