Intelligenz Solutions
Intelligenz provides Leisure Management Software for managing all your Program Registrations, Facility Bookings, Membership Sales and POS Transactions; including detailed Reporting, automated…
read moreThe SEA LIFE Trust has confirmed that the two beluga whales, Little Grey and Little White, have taken their first swim in their open water sanctuary home in Iceland.
The Beluga Whale Sanctuary, operated by charity the SEA LIFE Trust, is the first of its kind and was built with the support of a generous donation from Merlin Entertainments.
Created in partnership with Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC), the SEA LIFE TRUST Beluga Whale Sanctuary is one of the biggest developments in captive whale and dolphin care and protection in decades and the first of its kind to be created for cetaceans.
Carefully monitored by the whales’ expert care team, Little Grey and Little White were released for the first time to fully explore the natural surroundings of the wider sanctuary at Klettsvik Bay on Heimaey, one of the Westman Islands off the south coast of Iceland.
The whales have been making good progress since moving to their bayside care pools in August and Little Grey and Little White’s first swim out in the wider bay is part of a carefully managed welfare program to help introduce the whales gradually into their much larger sanctuary home.
Led by their expert care team, the ‘Little Steps’ program will see the whales continue to be introduced to the bay (which is approximately 32,000 metres2 with a depth of up to 10 metres – which is equivalent of the size of 17 tennis courts) and return to the sea sanctuary care pools over a short period of time while their health and well-being is assessed and monitored on a daily basis.
Andy Bool, Head of SEA LIFE Trust advised “we’re absolutely thrilled by the progress that Little Grey and Little White have made since moving to their bayside care pools. They are feeding and acclimatising well to the more natural surroundings as well as all of the outdoor elements. We are introducing them gradually to the bay in little steps, but seeing them swim together and deep dive amongst the flora and fauna of the wider bay for the first time was amazing to witness and gave us a real sense that Little Grey and Little White are enjoying being back in the sea.”
Cathy Williamson, Whale and Dolphin Conservation’s End Captivity program lead, Cathy Williamson added “we’re delighted that Little Grey and Little White are now exploring the wider bay and adapting well to their new, natural, stimulating environment. WDC has been on this journey with Merlin Entertainments and the SEA LIFE Trust from the beginning and we are truly honoured to be a partner to the world’s first whale sanctuary. As well as providing an exciting home for Little Grey and Little White, we look forward to welcoming other belugas here and encouraging the development of sanctuaries in other parts of the world.
“We hope this will mean that many of the more than 3,500 whales and dolphins held in captivity for shows and swim with attractions can be brought to sanctuaries to live more natural lives or be rehabilitated for a return to the wild. As the documentary will reveal, many people have worked very hard to make the sanctuary a reality and take the first bold steps to helping bring about an end to the keeping of whales and dolphins in captivity for human entertainment.”
For more information about the SEA LIFE TRUST Beluga Whale Sanctuary or to make a donation, visit www.sealifetrust.org.
10th August 2020 - SEA LIFE Trust confirms safe transition of Beluga whales into Iceland sanctuary
21st January 2019 - SEA LIFE Trust partners with Cargolux to transport Beluga Whales to Icelandic sanctuary
29th June 2018 - Merlin Entertainments announces creation of SEA LIFE Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary
18th February 2015 - SEA LIFE Trust launches Ocean Youth Program
31st July 2020 - Merlin Entertainments Group’s Sydney attractions offer frontline workers free entry in August
4th June 2020 - Merlin Entertainments’ flyer attractions reopen with additional health and safety measures
10th January 2020 - Merlin Entertainments and Silvergate Media to launch biggest Octonauts attraction at SEA LIFE Shanghai
18th November 2019 - Merlin Entertainments announces Legoland Shanghai development
30th September 2019 - Merlin Entertainments announce plans for LEGOLAND Resort in Western China
16th May 2019 - Merlin Entertainments signs up to global disability campaign
12th October 2018 - Merlin Entertainments looks at Australian expansion
27th April 2016 - Merlin Entertainments marks five years of operations in Australasia
7th March 2012 - Merlin Entertainments Group announces $10 million Sydney Aquarium refurbishment
20th January 2011 - Merlin Entertainments Group acquires Sydney Attractions Group from Village Roadshow
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
Intelligenz provides Leisure Management Software for managing all your Program Registrations, Facility Bookings, Membership Sales and POS Transactions; including detailed Reporting, automated…
read moreEmail for trade enquiries: Enquiriesapac@myzone.org Customer support desk - Click Myzone support or go to ‘help’ on myzone app to access live support. Myzone® is the leading…
read moreATS are global leaders in altitude training and research. From mask systems and inflatable tents to simulated altitude facilities, we help all athletes gain the competitive edge. Our…
read moreTPEC Pool Enclosures provide a large range of premium commercial and residential retractable swimming pool, spa and terrace enclosures throughout Australia, servicing residential, local government…
read moreAUSTRALIAN MADE. FIT FOR PURPOSE. Based on the Gold Coast, AlphaFit is a leading manufacturer and supplier of Australian gym equipment specifically for the commercial, strength and conditioning,…
read moreFun Wheels Pty Ltd are the premium dealer in Australasia for the Dutch company BERG’s commercial and domestic products. Our flagship product is their revolutionary pedal go-kart – the…
read moreAnti Wave Global is the original suppliers of top performance swim, aquatic sports, leisure and pool programming equipment. Founded in 1971, Anti Wave Global is proud of its long and tested…
read moreLinks Modular Solutions was a leading provider of high-quality, innovative software solutions for aquatic and recreation facilities. Links Modular Solutions is now part of Xplor Technologies.
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!