Captive beluga loses first calf

Earlier this year, we shared the sad news that Qinu, a beluga held at Georgia Aquarium, was pregnant with her first calf – a continuation of the horrible legacy of captivity.  Unfortunately, Georgia Aquarium has reported that Qinu’s calf died before birth.  This news comes after SeaWorld Orlando also announced the death of a newborn beluga calf this summer; another beluga was born at SeaWorld San Antonio this fall.

Belugas, like other whales and dolphins, are intelligent and social beings not suited to a life in captivity.  Many captive belugas sadly endure unsuccessful pregnancies or lose their calves at young ages.  The low survival rate of captive baby belugas is just one example of why belugas do not fare well in a tank.  After losing a multi-year battle to import wild-caught belugas from Russia, Georgia Aquarium committed to no longer take whales or dolphins from the wild.  We hope this most recent loss will inspire them to also end their captive breeding program before another beluga is forced to suffer the loss of her offspring.

You can help WDC end captivity for all whales and dolphins.  Sign our Pledge Never to Plunge with captive whales and dolphins and support our efforts to create a world where every whale and dolphin is safe and free.