A victory for WDC. A victory for whales and dolphins
Georgia Aquarium has decided not to appeal a recent court decision that refused permission for the facility to bring wild-caught beluga whales from Russia to the United States.
The Aquarium had been trying to import 18 whales captured in Sea of Okhotsk, Russia, but the court initially denied a permit to do so on the grounds that the Aquarium had not met conditions required to approve its controversial plan.
WDC was one of several official intervening parties present at the court hearings back in August, and assisted with briefings supporting the case to deny the Georgia Aquarium’s application.
Courtney Vail, WDC anti-captivity campaigner said; “We are grateful this matter, which was originally decided appropriately and then was subject to a strong and well-founded court ruling, has been put to rest.”
The result is a major blow to the captivity industry in the US and offers hope to the beluga whales in the Sea of Okhotsk, as live capture for public display is one of the most serious threats facing this population.
