Source: Chicago Tribune
Veterinarian Alicia Anderson is calling on Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium to provide greater transparency following the deaths of beluga whales transferred from Marineland of Canada. In a letter responding to a Chicago Tribune editorial, Anderson argues that existing information is insufficient to determine whether transportation, acclimation, Veterinary care, or husbandry contributed to the deaths.
She calls for the release of complete necropsy reports, histopathology findings, pretransfer Veterinary assessments, and treatment records so independent experts can evaluate the circumstances.
Anderson also challenges the editorial’s portrayal of Marineland’s closure and the motives of the Whale Sanctuary Project, arguing that aquariums have financial interests in displaying and breeding belugas that should receive similar scrutiny.
Because the Shedd depends on ticket sales, donations, and public support, Anderson contends that it owes the public a complete accounting of the whales’ deaths. She also urges the Tribune to base its editorial conclusions on available evidence.