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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Leyland Cecco in Toronto

Valium, health checks and fabric slings: the complex logistics of moving 30 beluga whales

Beluga whales swim in a tank at Marineland amusement park in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, 9 June, 2023.
Beluga whales swim in a tank at Marineland amusement park in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Photograph: Chris Young/AP

Before boarding the plane, the travellers will be given a dose of Valium to calm their nerves. For some, it will be the first time they’ve flown. Others have logged thousands of miles over the Pacific Ocean. Like most weary and anxious passengers, they will be offered minimal personal space on board and food isn’t included in their fare.

But for these jet-setters, the tight quarters and minimal refreshments aren’t meant to maximize airline profits: they’re meant to keep them safe.

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