Beluga whales swim in open water for first time since rescue from aquarium
Two beluga whales have enjoyed their first swim in open water since being rescued from a Chinese aquarium.
After nearly a decade in captivity in Shanghai, Little Grey and Little White were taken to an open water sanctuary in Iceland.
The whales had to get used to swimming in care pools before they were introduced to their new home in Klettsvik Bay.
‘Seeing them swim together and deep dive amongst the flora and fauna of the wider bay for the first time was amazing to witness,’ said Andy Bool, head of Sea Life Trust.
The bay is approximately 32,000 square metres – equivalent to 17 tennis courts – with a depth of up to 10 metres.
The Sea Life Trust said the whales have made good progress since moving to the sanctuary care pools in August.
They will return to the care pools over a short period of time and their health and well-being will be assessed on a daily basis.
Mr Bool added: ‘We’re absolutely thrilled by the progress that Little Grey and Little White have made since moving to their bayside care pools.
‘They are feeding and acclimatising well to the more natural surroundings as well as all of the outdoor elements.’
The beluga whale sanctuary is one of the biggest developments in protecting captive whales and dolphins for decades.
Little Grey and Little White’s journey back to the ocean will be told in a new ITV documentary due to air in October.
The programme will show the complexities and dedication around the world-first project and will feature comedian and animal lover John Bishop.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.