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Sharm belugas to return to Russia
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Two beluga whales which were held captive in hot, cramped conditions in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt have been confiscated by the authorities. They are in Cairo pending export back to Russia.
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In October last year, Divernet reported The Marine Connection's campaign for action to be taken over the animals, which had been imported from Russia and set up at Dolphinella, a Sharm tourist attraction.
The whales were held in a small pool (pictured) containing water of around 25Â?C. The normal sea temperature in their natural polar habitat is around 1 or 2Â?C.
'In Cairo they are now being held in a larger, temperature-controlled pool, and are not on public display,' Margaux Dodds, Director of The Marine Connection, told Divernet. 'CITES in Cairo is awaiting final paperwork from CITES in Russia that will sanction the whales' return.'
It has not yet been decided whether the animals will be released into the wild or remain captive, albeit in better conditions than they experienced in Sharm. 'We were told that they were born in captivity, but await proof of that,' said Dodds. 'Once we know their background, we will support what is judged to be the most appropriate move for their welfare.
'Of course the ideal position is that these animals should never be caught and held captive at all.'
Dodds confirmed that The Marine Connection is now campaigning for Dolphinella's dolphins to follow the same way as the belugas. The group is 'concerned' about the animals, which were also imported from Russia and are used for a swim-with-dolphins programme.
The Marine Connection wants the swims stopped, and for the dolphins to follow the whales back to Russia.
Related links
Beluga whales held captive in Sharm heat
The Marine Connection
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