Belugas Prosper in Pioneering Cetacean Sanctuary

Little White and Little Grey, two young belugas originally captured from Russia’s Okhotsk Sea and held in a dolphinarium in Shanghai, China, for a decade, are now the first residents in the world’s first cetacean seaside sanctuary, in Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland (see AWI Quarterly, fall 2020). In September, they were allowed out of the sea pen where they had been acclimating and into the larger bay area (which is netted off at its mouth) for the first time. They have been active, curious, and doing well, setting the stage for additional sanctuaries sheltering additional species in the future. 

Program Terms: Marine Wildlife

AWI Quarterly Terms: Quick Read