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.

She said there are more than 300 belugas in captivity around the world. "Some belugas are in cramped and unsuitable conditions," Padgett added. "And if what we can learn here from Little White and Little Grey can help improve welfare for other animals … that's really the point." Padgett highlighted that moving two belugas was no easy task. They each weigh a little more than a ton (2,000 pounds) and consume around 110 pounds of fish per day between them. The operation required specially designed equipment, veterinarians, and a whole lot of water and ice to keep them hosed down.