I am deeply moved by the plight of beluga whales at Mystic Aquarium. These majestic creatures belong in sanctuaries or the wild, not confined within a tiny tank with fake rocks no larger than a large swimming pool. Since its opening in 1973, Mystic Aquarium has been responsible for the death of 11 belugas - an alarming statistic that cannot be ignored.

In 2021, five more belugas were transported from Canada to this aquarium. Tragically, three of these beautiful animals have since ended up in critical condition and died under the care of the aquarium. There has been proven unsanitary bacteria levels in their tiny indoor enclosure, and it is reported that the aquarium handlers failed to seek veterinary treatment for the belugas when they were showing clear signs of failing health, leading to the deaths of the belugas. 

Beluga whales are intelligent and social creatures who thrive in vast ocean habitats where they can swim freely and interact with their own kind on their own terms. The conditions at Mystic Aquarium fall far short of what these animals need to live full and healthy lives.

Despite this fact, the US federal government and environmental protections agency awarded this aquarium with a $2 million grant in March 2024 intended for the use of preserving endangered species, while a lawsuit was open and pending against this aquarium for the deaths of the belugas. article re: federal grant

In September 2024, the aquarium settled the lawsuit by paying a little over a $12k fine while neither admitting or denying their responsibility in the deaths of the belugas. article re: investigation, case and settlement.

We must act now to prevent further suffering and loss of life among these vulnerable marine mammals at Mystic Aquarium. It's time we stand up for those who can't speak for themselves - our beloved belugas deserve better than this.

Please join me in urging authorities to close down Mystic Aquarium and relocate all the captive animals they are exploiting to suitable sanctuaries where they can live out their lives with dignity and respect. Sign this petition today!