Today I'm here to talk about the CAPTURE and INCARCERATION of CETACEANS (marine mammals), in particular the 18 BELUGA WHALES recently captured and awaiting their fate.
Notice is hereby given that the Georgia Aquarium Inc., 225 Baker Street, Atlanta, GA 30313, has applied in due form for a permit to import eighteen (18) beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) for public display purposes.
These are the words contained on this document, filed August 30, 2012 on the Federal Register website. (To view the complete document just click on the source below.)
Source: Office of the Federal Register
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I live on the west coast of Canada - we have phenomenal marine life in our waters and people come from all over the world to enjoy the offerings of the Pacific Ocean. From scuba diving to whale watching one does not have to go far to appreciate marine life in its natural habitat.
We also have an aquarium. (sadly)
Have you been to your local aquarium lately?
Have you ever asked yourself what it must be like to be cooped up in a tank so small that you, an Orca, cannot swim straight for any length, which you need to do, in order to keep your dorsal fin standing tall and healthy.
Source: The Orca Project
(the article related to this photo is excellent - Warning: graphic content)
Source: NOAA Photo Library
The dorsal fin (the one on the top of an Orca’s back) is meant to stand straight - it bends over when the mammal is confined in a small space. There is no place, in any aquarium, world wide, that can properly house these large mammals. Not one provides the space needed for them to swim freely. (going in circles is NOT swimming freely)
It’s no different for beluga whales - these peaceful creatures are captured and displayed purely for entertainment value and profit.
Do not be fooled into thinking we need them in captivity to research them. That is no longer a viable reason given the technology and times we live in.
The Vancouver Aquarium's Beluga page has a Q & A section...I find this interesting:
So this is what their natural habitat looks like.
And sadly, this is what we give them...
I googled "sad belugas" and saw this photo, above. But what broke my heart was the caption under it, which read:
"It was a little sad with this big beluga....she was all alone in one simple tank."
The day and age of keeping these majestic creatures penned up for our amusement has long since come and gone.
Is it okay to look the other way and say, "It's not my problem."?
I encourage you to get involved - and yes, bust out of your comfort zone and see what goes on out there in the wild blue sea, and in captivity - it's never too late to help make a difference.
It's time to take action -
Please follow this LINK to sign the online petition to end the capture and public display of beluga whales - these amazing mammals need our help.
If signing something online is a problem, which I can truly identify with, then the NOAA Fisheries page, which features all the information on the 18 beluga whales, as well as the address to send your voice, is where you want to be.
But, just to make it really easy...here is the address, click on the picture to enlarge. Then, on a postcard or piece of paper you need simply write something like this: I oppose the plans to import beluga whales into the US for captivity by the Georgia Aquarium.
Here are some links for those wishing to do a little further reading:
THIS SITE HAS ALL THE DETAILS ABOUT THIS PERMIT APPLICATION.
THIS SITE HAS THE "RECEIPT OF APPLICATION TO IMPORT 18 BELUGAS" DOCUMENT WHERE YOU CAN ACTUALLY COMMENT ELECTRONICALLY. CHECK IT OUT!
(Warning: this site contains graphic content)
The Orca Project - a most remarkable site; worth checking out (Warning: this site contains graphic content)
THANK YOU - if you follow through by adding your name, in opposition to the permit application by the Georgia Aquarium, I can safely say...YOU ROCK, REALLY YOU DO!
Jenny
Need more information? Please let me know and I will do my best to get it to you.