Preparations continue for release of beluga whales into sanctuary bay

Little Grey and Little White continue to do well and have settled into their temporary care pool following their epic journey from China to their new home in Iceland.

As always, the health and well-being of Little Grey and Little White remains our top priority and based on their progress and the changing weather conditions, we have taken the decision that Little White and Little Grey will now be moved to the sanctuary bay in spring 2020.

Although we had hoped to move the belugas into their new open water home in September 2019, the process of introducing Little Grey and Little White to the new process and equipment needed for helping to release the whales into the sea-water sanctuary has taken longer than we’d anticipated.

We had also originally intended to relocate the belugas from China to Iceland in April this year but because of bad weather at the time, this was postponed until June. This meant we have been unable to give Little Grey and Little White the sufficient time they need to acclimatise to the weather and sea conditions ahead of the winter months.

The next few months will allow more time for Little Grey and Little White to prepare for living in a much more natural environment than they have been used to at their own pace and will ensure they are ready for their new long-term home.

We want to thank everyone for your continued support, understanding and for your ongoing encouragement on this world-first project.