Two beluga whales rescued from Ukrainian aquarium evacuated to Spain

Oceanogràfic de Valencia, Georgia Aquarium and SeaWorld collaborate with Ukraine’s NEMO Dolphinarium on heroic evacuation from Kharkiv.

Marine mammal care specialists from Oceanogràfic de Valencia, Georgia Aquarium and SeaWorld assisted the NEMO Dolphinarium in Ukraine on June 17-18 with a heroic rescue of two beluga whales from the war-ravaged region of Kharkiv. The city is facing increasing threat from artillery fire, which has intensified in recent weeks, with bombs dropping within a few hundred meters of the aquarium. 

The high-risk, complex rescue operation presented numerous challenges and required multi-national collaboration. The belugas, a 15-year-old male named Plombir and a 14-year-old female named Miranda, arrived in Valencia in delicate health on the evening of June 18, following a grueling journey across the war zone. Their evacuation included a dangerous 12-hour drive from Kharkiv to Odesa. From there the Ukrainian caregivers met the international team from Oceanogràfic, Georgia Aquarium and SeaWorld who quickly conducted health checks and continued onward to Moldova border where the European Anti-Fraud Office, part of the European Commission, served a crucial role in speeding up the border crossing. A six-seater chartered plane awaited the rescue team in Chisinau to fly onward to Valencia where the General Director of Natural and Animal Environment of Valencia, Raúl Mérida, met the rescue team at the Valencia airport.

© Oceanografic

The president of the Valencia region Generalitat Valenciana, Carlos Mazón, said, “This courageous rescue constitutes a historic milestone worldwide in terms of animal protection. It is an honor that the Oceanogràfic has rescued these two belugas from the horror of the war in Ukraine. They have experienced a difficult situation in recent months, and the experts at Oceanogràfic will be working intensely to help them recover.”

Oceanogràfic Valencia is the largest aquarium in Europe and the only one on the continent that has belugas in its facilities. In addition, it is the closest marine conservation center to Ukraine and is accredited by the most rigorous international organizations in animal welfare.

“The war has caused food, energy and medicine shortages, reducing access to other basic necessities for animal care as well as technical supplies necessary for the logistics of such a sensitive rescue,” said Dr. Daniel Garcia-Párraga, director of zoological operations at Oceanografic.  “The belugas have a suboptimal body condition to undertake this type of trip, but if they had continued in Kharkiv, their chances of survival would have been very slim.” 

Since the war began in 2022, the dolphinarium has been bravely evacuating animals, including seals, sea lions and dolphins, as quickly as it could, but moving belugas is an extremely complex logistical operation due to their size and specific needs. It required months of preparations and the participation of international experts.    

“It is yet another example of how accredited aquariums and zoos respond when animals are in danger bringing the specialized expertise and trusted skills developed by caring for wildlife every day,” said Dan Ashe, President and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).  “It’s not just what we do. It’s who we are. I applaud AZA members Oceanografic, Georgia Aquarium and SeaWorld, for convening the world’s most elite team of marine mammal experts to work with the Ukrainian aquarium on what is likely the most complex marine mammal rescue ever undertaken.” 

“The complexities of this evacuation were immense, and we have been working for weeks to prepare for it. I’m humbled to have been trusted to provide the belugas care and protection during their long journey to their new home. My heart is with the Ukrainian caregivers and the people of Kharkiv who had to say goodbye to Miranda and Plombir. It’s not an easy thing to do, but it was best for them. I’m proud to have played a role in helping them,” said Dennis Christen, senior director of animal wellbeing & behavior, Georgia Aquarium.  

“The belugas’ health and safety was our top priority, and these were challenging conditions, including rough roads, rising temperatures and the inherent risks of being in an active war zone,” said Keith Yip, Animal Care Specialist, SeaWorld. “The Ukrainian caregivers were very brave, and the whole team involved did everything possible to provide the belugas comfort and safety during the evacuation to Valencia. I’m proud to have been able to share the specialized expertise needed to support the complex logistics for this collaborative rescue operation.” 

The belugas are being provided with a specialized team of medical, nutritional and behavioral experts at Oceanografic to assist in recovery from the traumas they have endured. Two Ukrainian caregivers are staying with them for the first couple weeks to help with their transition and care.  

“The belugas are being cared for in separate areas that are not accessible or viewable by the public while they undergo recovery and acclimation,” said Garcia. “We will be providing updates on their health and well-being as things evolve. We are extremely grateful to everyone who assisted in this rescue.” 

ABOUT OCEANOGRAFIC 

Oceanogràfic de València, integrated into the architectural complex of the City of Arts and Sciences, has been the largest aquarium in Europe since it opened its doors in 2003 and has become an outstanding marine conservation center. It is accredited by the world reference body in terms of animal welfare, the American Humane Association (AHA) and is part of the most prestigious international zoological associations, such as the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA), the European Association for Marine Mammals (EAAM) and the Iberian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AIZA).

Through Fundación Oceanogràfic, the Valencia aquarium has promoted research, conservation and dissemination with the aim of raising awareness to change behaviors that benefit the sustainability and ecology of the Planet.

Source: Oceanogràfic

19th June 2025 | One year since the rescue of Plombir and Miranda

Today marks one year since one of the most complex animal rescue missions in recent memory: the arrival of belugas Plombir and Miranda to Oceanogràfic from the NEMO Aquarium in Kharkiv, amid the war in Ukraine.

After more than 3,000 km by road and plane, and with the involvement of international institutions such as Georgia Aquarium, SeaWorld, The Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and the Generalitat Valenciana, they arrived in Valencia on June 19, 2024.

After months of work by the team of veterinarians, caretakers, and researchers at Oceanogràfic and its Foundation, Plombir and Miranda now live permanently with Yulka and Kylu and are part of scientific projects on animal welfare and communication, such as the study of their vocalizations led by Dr. Audra Ames, which have revealed unique patterns.

The trip not only saved their lives. It also opened a new era of understanding and protection for this extraordinary species.

19th January 2025 | Seven months since Plombir and Miranda arrived in Spain

We're celebrating 7 months since Plombir and Miranda arrived at Oceanogràfic!

Plombir and Miranda arrived in compromised health due to the war. Thanks to the efforts and care of our professionals, they are now in excellent health.

19th December 2024 | Six months after Plombir and Miranda's rescue.

What they experienced before arriving here wasn't easy. They came from a war-torn area, and their transfer was a very complicated mission. But thanks to an international team of specialists from Oceanogràfic, the AZA, the Georgia Aquarium, and SeaWorld, we were able to give them a new chance in a safe place.

Plombir and Miranda have adapted perfectly to their new life, have formed a very special bond with their caregivers, and their relationship with Kylu and Yulka has been very positive.

This rescue is a testament to Oceanogràfic's commitment to animal welfare and a story that touches our hearts.

19th August 2024 | Two months since their rescue

Two months ago today, Miranda and Plombir were rescued from Jarkov's NEMO dolphinarium, and since then, their adjustment to Oceanographic has been incredibly positive.

We are very pleased to report that both belugas are in excellent health.

Additionally, their bond with their caretakers is strengthening, leading to an increase in the number and variety of interactions, such as the introduction of new environmental enrichment programs.

Every small achievement we observe in them is a testament to the collaborative efforts of veterinarians, biologists, and caretakers, who work tirelessly every day to ensure the well-being of these extraordinary animals.

19th July 2024 | One month since their rescue

Exactly one month ago, we welcomed Plombir and Miranda, the two belugas rescued from a Ukrainian aquarium. We’re excited to share their incredible progress and how well they are adapting to Oceanographic.

Since their arrival on June 19th, our team of caretakers and veterinarians has been working hard on their recovery and adjustment. Plombir and Miranda are participating in desensitization sessions, which are crucial in helping them adapt to their new environment and minimize the stress they endured from the frequent bombings near Jharkov.

These sessions involve gradual exposure to various stimuli, such as sounds and objects, so they can feel increasingly comfortable and secure.

We are also conducting environmental enrichment sessions, designed to stimulate their natural abilities and keep them active and healthy, both mentally and physically.

We are thrilled to report that Plombir and Miranda are showing very positive progress. A huge thank you to our entire team for their dedication, and to all of you for your continued support.

Stay tuned for more updates on our belugas, as they may soon join Yulka and Kylu!

Source: Oceanografic

12th July 2024 | Miranda and Plombir are making very positive progress

Miranda and Plombir, the two belugas rescued from Ukraine three weeks ago, are making very positive progress.

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our team of caretakers and veterinarians, both are gaining weight and improving in health every day. Plombir, the male, is already eating 30 kilograms of fish per day, and Miranda is consuming over 22 kilograms. Most importantly, we are witnessing how they are adapting and forming a special bond with their caretakers, who are committed to fostering this connection.

A key aspect of their adjustment is environmental enrichment. Plombir and Miranda enjoy playing with balls, which not only entertains them but also helps keep them active and mentally stimulated. These playful activities are essential for their physical and emotional well-being, and seeing them engage in such behavior is a clear sign of their welfare.

We are delighted to see how well Miranda and Plombir are thriving at Oceanographic. Their story is a powerful reminder of the importance of marine life conservation.

Source: Oceanografic

1st July 2024 | Both beluga whales are adapting perfectly

Plombir and Miranda, the two rescued belugas from Ukraine, are adapting perfectly to Oceanographic.

After their complex relocation, our team remains on-site, ensuring a calm and controlled environment. A few days ago, as part of their adaptation process, Miranda and Plombir began interacting with our resident belugas, Yulka and Kylu, through the compartments.

Additionally, our veterinary team has conducted thorough health tests, confirming that Plombir and Miranda are in good condition. Despite a slight initial dehydration upon their arrival on June 19th, which was successfully treated, all tests for potential infectious diseases have come back negative.

Our research team is also monitoring their communication to better understand it, and we hope that in the coming weeks, all four belugas will be able to join together.

Source: Oceanografic