PETA Statement: Cause of Beluga’s Death at SeaWorld Raises Red Flags

For Immediate Release:
April 22, 2015

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

PETA Foundation Director of Animal Law Jared Goodman released a statement in response to finding out that the beluga whale Nanuq died at SeaWorld as the result of an infection caused by a jaw injury that was inflicted during an “interaction” between two marine animals:

PETA has long pointed out that when SeaWorld locks far-ranging marine mammals in tiny tanks in incompatible groups from which they cannot escape, fights and injuries are inevitable—and those injuries can lead to deadly infections, as this beluga’s death demonstrates. Belugas have died at SeaWorld from serious injuries in the past, and an orca there also died from a severely injured jaw following an aggressive encounter. This despicable, abusive company needs to heed the worldwide outcry to stop incarcerating marine life and build coastal sanctuaries.

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