Two female beluga whales at Changfeng Ocean World in Putuo District will give their last performance today before being quarantined for inspection. The duo of Xiao Bai and Xiao Hui (Little White and Little Grey) will then undergo some further training to be prepared for the journey to their new home in Iceland.

The two beluga whales, both 12 years old, have gained some weight (they now weigh around 990 kg) after dietary adjustments in recent months to adapt to the extremely cold sea environment in Iceland.

In January, a film which shows the special preparations being undertaken by the pair, including underwater breathing training, physical training and diet adjustment, debuted at the beluga whale theater in Changfeng Ocean World. It will be screened through spring as a special way to say goodbye to the pair of whales.

(Photo by Changfeng Ocean World)

In spring, they will embark on a 30-hour, 9,000-kilometer, journey, by air, sea and land, to a bay in Heimaey, one of the Westman Islands located off the southern coast of Iceland. There they will be released into the Sea Life Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary, the world’s first open-water sanctuary for members of their species.

The final departure date depends on a number of factors such as the health conditions of the whales and weather because the smart mammals are very sensitive to new environments.

Photo: the specially branded plane for the beluga whales (Photo by Changfeng Ocean World)

Despite the uncertain date, the flight sponsor has been decided. Cargolux will help to relocate Little White and Little Grey via a Boeing 747-400ERF Freighter. Cargolux is the transport partner of the Sea Life Trust and project partner of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) organization.

It is worth noting that three trainers from Changfeng Ocean World will accompany the pair to Iceland to help them adapt to the new environment.

Their last performances are scheduled for 11:00 am and 14:30 pm on February 28.