Two beluga whales captured from the sea nearly ten years ago are being released back into the ocean.
Little Grey and Little White are now being cared for at the world’s first open-water sanctuary for belugas in Iceland.
It is the first time the belugas have been at sea since they were captured by a Russian whale research centre in 2011 and then taken to a water park in China.
Little Grey and Little White are now in a care group and need time to get used to their new surroundings before being released into a larger sanctuary in Klettsvik Bay on the country’s southern coast.
The animals were transported by trucks and tugboats, carried in specially designed slings with foam mats to keep the whales comfortable during transport.
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Sea Life Trust team transfers beluga whale Little Grey from truck to tugboat
Experts were with Little Grey and Little White to make sure they ate properly and stayed healthy during their journey.
Little Grey is said to be “very playful,” but she also has a mischievous side, spitting water at her care team.
Meanwhile, Little White is “much more reserved but still likes to play and forms close bonds with her caregivers.”
Belugas made the journey from China to Iceland last year
The Sea Life Trust, which cares for the animals, said it was delighted to confirm the whales are safe at home and getting to know their new surroundings in the care area at Klettsvik Bay.
Trust Director Andy Bool said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to share the news that Little Grey and Little White are safe in their marine sanctuary care pools and are just one step away from being released into their open water home.
“After extensive planning and rehearsals, the first leg of their return to the ocean went as smoothly as we had hoped and planned.
“We are closely monitoring Little Grey and Little White with our expert care team and veterinarians and look forward to announcing their final release very soon.”
There are around 200,000 beluga whales in the wild, they are a distinctive white colour and only grow to 4 metres long – about twice the height of an adult male.
