In May of 2021, five beluga whales were trafficked from Marineland, Ontario, to Mystic Aquarium, Connecticut. This first beluga, named Havok, died in August 2021 with the aquarium reporting ongoing gastrointestinal issues. The aquarium claims they made operational changes following Havok’s death and the ensuing inspection by the United States Department of Agriculture. The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) stated that this second death reinforces the notion that the belugas from Marineland were transported while they were already ill. The aquarium continues to house six other belugas, with one currently in intensive care. Read the news report here, and Animals Justice’s blog post calling for legislative measures here.
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