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Vestmannaeyjar Beluga Whale Sanctuary

Rick

TS Member
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Crux
This project isn't getting much airspace, which is a bit of a shame - but I guess understandable given the current world circumstances.

When Merlin bought Changfeng Ocean Park in Shanghai, they committed to the release of the two Beluga whales that were kept in captivity there (Little Grey & Little White). Merlin corporate donated a significant sum to Sea Life Trust who have worked with a number of charities to bring this to realisation.

In the news today, the whales have taken their first swim in open water.
More background on the project here.

Smelly harnesses and expensive drinks aside, this is the Merlin that I admire.
 
I saw something on Reuters Twitter feed this evening. I didn't realize that this was Merlin related until this thread.

Cheers for posting Rick. It's good to see something uplifting in the news these days :)
 
Been following this for a while. It's a really interesting story. Got to give them credit; they promised to return the whales after taking over the Chinese attraction, and they were true to their word!

Only sad bit of news is I believe there were originally 3 whales but 1 passed while they were still planning the move.
 
Just a heads up for anyone interested, I have just noticed this statement on the Merlin website about an upcoming documentary.

‘Little Grey and Little White’s journey back to the ocean will be told as part of a new two-part documentary which will be shown on ITV this October.

The programme will show the complexities and dedication around the world-first project and will feature comedian and animal lover John Bishop.’
 
Did anyone catch it last night?

I presume John Bishop is involved because Martin Clunes was busy.
 
Did anyone catch it last night?

I presume John Bishop is involved because Martin Clunes was busy.

Yes, really enjoyed it. Found it quite emotional in places. Such intelligent animals who seem so trusting of humans who have totally exploited them. :(

However of course that is hopefully all about to change. Looking forward to today’s episode.

Let’s hope this proves that whales in captivity can be moved back into some form of normality.

This is certainly the kind of Merlin world’s first I can get on board with.

Your move Seaworld ;)
 
I genuinely wish them the best, and as we have seen in the past the first few months to a year will likely go well, however I maintain reservations about the long term as historical attempts at this same release technique have not worked long term and have ended up with starvation induced pneumonia killing the released cetaceans.
 
Did anyone catch it last night?

I presume John Bishop is involved because Martin Clunes was busy.

I watch it over the past two nights and have to say that the Sealife team and Merlin did an incredible job in rehoming these. This is a selfless project that won't be lining the pockets of Merlin and will have ongoing overheads. I take my hat of to them.

John Bishop was the perfect presenter for this, I never knew that he had a menagerie of rescue animals, what a great man. Over half of our parrots that we own are all rescued, we have turned their life and health around, some came to us after being neglected, mistreated or simply because the owners have taken them on not realising what is involved with their care.

I genuinely wish them the best, and as we have seen in the past the first few months to a year will likely go well, however I maintain reservations about the long term as historical attempts at this same release technique have not worked long term and have ended up with starvation induced pneumonia killing the released cetaceans.

I hope that this won't be the case, I wish that little white and little grey all the best of good health and a great many years of life in their new environment.
 
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