IS IT SAFE TO RELEASE WHALES AND DOLPHINS TO THE WILD THAT NOW LIVE IN ZOOLOGICAL PARKS AND AQUARIUMS?
The issue of releasing to the wild whales and dolphins that are currently cared for in marine life parks, aquariums, and zoos can be challenging both emotionally and scientifically. However, to experts concerned about the risks to which release exposes both the individual animal and the wild population, the issue is a simple one. Without a compelling conservation need such as sustaining a vulnerable species, release may be neither a reasoned approach nor a caring decision.
The survival of marine mammals in the wild requires an elaborate series of skills including the ability to detect and avoid predators and forage for food. Many animal care experts believe marine mammals that have spent a substantial portion of their lives in zoological parks and aquariums most likely have lost their ability to find food. Additionally, the animals may have diseases that are transmittable to wild populations and may not be immune to diseases for which wild animals have immunities.
A November 1992 report of the Canadian Advisory Committee on Marine Mammals concludes that the release of whales and dolphins that have been in marine life parks for extended periods is "inappropriate." The committee reviewed a number of exploratory projects to learn something of the problems and potential of the concept. The advisory group noted that retraining to kill prey is essential, though not a "sufficient capability." Survival, the Committee pointed out, "requires a series of complex skills plus physical and physiological competence.”
The Alliance supports proper, scientifically based reintroduction programs that are anchored in principles of conservation biology and have the ultimate goal of sustaining marine mammal species. Such programs utilize recognized methods of conservation biology in efforts to re-establish or reinforce an endangered native wild population. Also, the Alliance understands the value of using surrogate non-endangered species to conduct an experimental return to the wild for the purpose of generating data and developing technology applicable to future projects aimed at conserving endangered species.
The Alliance knows of no responsible conservation organization that supports releases of non-endangered species, except under specific protocols used to develop reintroduction techniques for closely related species. For example, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature emphasizes in guidelines that “it must be determined that returning [animals] to the wild will make a significant contribution to the conservation of the species, or populations of other interacting species.”
Alliance member knowledge of marine mammals suggests that any decisions about an animal’s release or return to the wild should be made with caution and compassion. The safety of the individual animal as well as the continued well-being of the wild host population should be given paramount consideration.
How can I help dolphins?
WDCS organizes a number of fundraising events each year which everyone can take part in, such as our Walks for Whales and Dolphins. For information on these please visit our Challenges and Events section. The easiest way to help us and, of course, the whales and dolphins, is by becoming a member or adopting a whale or dolphin.
Where are beluga whales found in the wild?
Belugas are found in the waters of Alaska, Canada, Russia, Norway and Greenland, forming at least 16 different populations. One of the largest populations in the world is located in western Hudson Bay, in central Canada, numbering approximately 23,000.
Belugas are also found several hundred miles up certain rivers, such as the Yukon and St. Lawrence Rivers in Canada.
What are the names of the belugas at Shedd? What are the origins of the names?
The belugas have names from the language of the Inuit, the native people of the Canadian artic. The names are Puiji (poooEEojee - "Those Who Show Their Noses"), Naluark (nahoLOOoark - "Whitened Skin"), Mauyak (MYoack - "Soft Snow"), Naya (NYEoah - "Little Sister to a Male"), Kayavak (KAHo yaho vok - "Singing Game That Produces Soft Echoes") and Qannik (kahoNIK - "Snowflake").
What are threats to belugas in the wild?
Belugas have been heavily hunted on a commercial basis for 200 years, beginning in the early 1700s and ending in the mid-1900s. Some populations were severely depleted by commercial hunting in the past and continue to be threatened or endangered to this day.
Present threats to the recovery of these populations include uncontrolled native subsistence hunting, toxic chemical contamination (especially in the St. Lawrence River) and the presence of hydroelectric dams (James Bay). Other potential threats may include habitat loss due to development along shorelines, disturbance due to commercial shipping, oil exploration, tourism and contamination due to oil spills.
Natural predators of the belugas include orca whales and polar bears.
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