Two Beluga Whales Are Rescued From Performing As Show Animals In China, And Their Smiles Say It All

Rehoming animals is a tough job that requires a lot of responsibility. But taking two whales to a new continent in the middle of a global pandemic is about as hard as it gets. Nevertheless, it’s done. Two belugas, Little Grey and Little White, are enjoying their first taste of the sea since 2011, thanks to a relocation project that has been years in the making.

Van den Hoek is very happy that the two whales were moved from an aquarium in Shanghai to a cold seawater sanctuary in Iceland. "Belugas are destined for a life in cold waters. The low temperature of the seawater and a big swimming place is a very good solution for whales who aren't capable of going back to the artic. If they can adjust good to the new situation, they will be fine." "If we take care of our plastic waste and our use of gas, then we are also indirectly taking care of the beluga whale," van den Hoek added.