Little Grey and Little White, two beluga whales rescued from captivity in China, are now settling into a new phase of their lives at the Sea Life Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary in Iceland. This facility, located in Klettsvik Bay, is the world's first sanctuary specifically designed for beluga whales. As of September 2025, both whales are reported to be in good health and are actively interacting with their care team.
The transition for Little Grey and Little White to full freedom in the open waters of the sanctuary has been extended to spring 2026. This extended period allows for further enhancements to their habitat, ensuring their optimal well-being and adaptation. Through the sanctuary's "Little Steps" program, the whales are steadily regaining strength and developing essential skills for life in their new sub-Arctic environment. This initiative, a collaboration with Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC), represents a significant advancement in the rehabilitation of formerly captive marine mammals.
Beluga whales are known for their social nature and complex vocalizations. Historically, belugas have been captured for display since 1861, with many sourced from Russian waters for facilities in China and North America. Captivity often leads to abnormal behaviors and reduced lifespans compared to their wild counterparts, with many dying before reaching 30 years of age, considerably less than their potential wild lifespan of up to 60 years. China currently holds the largest population of captive beluga whales globally, with over 240 individuals.
Iceland, with its deep connection to the marine environment, is increasingly recognized for its commitment to marine conservation. Organizations like Ocean Missions actively participate in beach cleanups, having removed over 18 tons of marine litter from Iceland's coastlines since 2019, showcasing a broad dedication to ocean welfare. The partnership between the Sea Life Trust and WDC in establishing this sanctuary highlights a growing global movement to provide better futures for captive marine life.
The sanctuary's approach includes acclimatization exercises in sea pens and a focus on natural behaviors such as hunting, aiming to prepare the whales for a more independent existence. This pioneering project not only offers a safe haven for Little Grey and Little White but also serves as a vital learning ground, advancing the understanding of rehabilitation techniques for captive cetaceans and inspiring the development of similar sanctuaries worldwide. In recent developments, the EU and Iceland have strengthened their cooperation on fisheries and ocean affairs, including the conservation and welfare of cetaceans, underscoring a shared commitment to marine ecosystem health.