Last Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced plans to start releasing orcas and beluga whales currently being held in the country’s Far East in crowded pens, nicknamed the “whale jail.”
For the past several months, around 100 whales have been confined in the cramped enclosures off Russia’s Pacific Coast. Disturbing images and videos of the animals were first made public in November of last year, prompting international outrage from animal rights activists and an investigation by Russian authorities.
Those who imprisoned the whales are suspected of planning to sell them to China’s growing amusement park industry, which pays millions of dollars per whale. Following the investigation, four companies were charged for violating a worldwide ban on commercial whale hunting that went into effect in 1982.
In March, Russian authorities announced their intentions to eventually free the whales, citing a need to first figure out how to safely return them to their natural environment. The news was hopeful, but not promising — despite being native to the Arctic, without the ability to keep warm by swimming long distances, the whales’ lives were at risk.
Thanks to global activists’ continued outcry, including the more than 20,000 people who signed LFT’s petition to free the whales, these captive animals are finally getting a chance to live a normal life.
Russian officials signed an agreement with international scientists in April to release the whales. All 100 of them will be freed over the next four months, according to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Gordeyev.
The first group en route to freedom consists of two orcas, who are currently being transported to the Sea of Okhotsk. A team of 70 people, including veterinarians and scientists, are accompanying the whales along the six-day journey back to their native waters. Next, six belugas will make their trek to a new life in the sea.
Russia is believed to be the only country in the world that illegally exports whales. We are thankful for the release of these magnificent cetaceans from their prison.
What’s New…
Alas, there is no evidence of the release of juvenile whales from the “whale prison”, since the release operation was held in secret from the public.
There’s something wrong here — if anything, the Releasors would want Reporters and their cameras to be present — it’s common sense — the world wants to SEE and KNOW these animals are released into safe waters — have you checked with all organizations involved? — Why would this be SECRET? — we will URGE them to comply — the world wants to see Russia do good by these magnificent animals — we want to know Russia is rational, sane, compassionate and moral. — KEEP IN TOUCH!
Alas, there is no evidence of the release of juvenile whales from the “whale prison”, since the release operation was held in secret from the public.
Alas, there is no evidence of the release of juvenile whales from the “whale prison”, since the release operation was held in secret from the public.
Yes, cruelty needs to stop.
Hh
Yes, cruelty needs to stop.
Horribly wrong…vile.
Please just Love our Animal Friends. Please stop the abuse…release them…
Thank you,
Stephanie
Not only they were in miserable state but they were going to be sent to China????? A place where animals have no rights and where they are abused for so called entertainment. Thank you president Putin, you stopped the Canadian seal pelt import, bear den butchering and now this atrocity. And thank you to all that were involved in their release and their plea for freedom.
What a deplorable state of conditions that these poor whales and orcas are existing in. Let’s hope Russia does what they say they are going to do and release all of them – the sooner the better. Stop the captive cruel cages that humans think it is fine to all types of animals to exist in.
Namaste🐦
THANK YOU SO MUCH — THANK YOU to all for DOING WHAT IS RIGHT — the Russian Govt., Pres. Putin, the International Scientists and reputable Animal Organizations for keeping an eye out — these magnificent Animals NEEDS protections — PLEASE — PLEASE — do NOT export Whales —- legally or illegally — ensure these sweet Animals are transferred to their natural environments — ensure they will live happy and healthy lives — again, THANK YOU.
I want to be happy about this article, but I see I’m not the only one who questions whether we can actually start celebrating the release of 100 captive whales…something about this story just doesn’t seem right…just like that, Russia has developed a compassionate heart versus receiving millions of dollars per whale from China???? Hmmmmm….
Fantastic news – GREAT WORK RUSSIA!!
Not the fact that animals will be released. most likely they will be sold to China, since whales are transported through the territory controlled by the Russian mafia, which are organizations that capture whales.
Remember, this is Putin claiming action is being taken. He is not trustworthy, and all claims that the animals are being released should be viewed with caution. Putin is just trying to look good in the international theater.
Putin banned the import of the Canadian seal pelts a few years back stating that that horror should have be stopped long ago. And now those poor whales have being saved by him. All the outcry from the people of the world resonated in his ears but mostly because he always had a kind heart for all animals.
If this was down to Vladimir Putin, then it goes to show he does have a heart.
Well done Russia – GREAT NEWS!!
This is wonderful news. With all of the political unrest it’s wise to get them out of the lines of fire in case of military engagement.
What a brilliant result xx
I hope Mr. Putin follows through with this about freeing the whales.