While many people are excited to hear that the Vancouver Aquarium is welcoming two walruses from Quebec City, not everyone shares the enthusiasm.
An animal rights group is protesting the arrival of the walrus calves named Lakina and Balzak from the Aquarium du Québec.
As only the 7th and 8th walruses born in captivity in North America since 1930, the pair made headlines when they were born in May of 2016.
Indeed, the group, called Lifeforce Foundation, says that taking the animals away from their mothers at this age is cruel. While simply waiting a while longer for the pair to develop would allow them an easier move, the group isn’t sure why they would force the process so early.
Walrus calves often nurse for a period exceeding two years, and the calves are barely a year and a half old.
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“Why is there a rush to get them here by Christmas? Is it some kind of Christmas promotion?” founder Peter Hamilton told CBC.
The group is calling for a total citizen boycott of both aquariums in protest to the move.
Vancouver Aquarium to Welcome Walrus Calves
In response, the Vancouver Aquarium states that they’ve ensured that the move will not interfere with the calves’ natural lifecycle.
In addition, they state that experts at the Aquarium du Québec made the decision keeping all factors in mind. Moreover, they add that the institution raised the calves since birth, and care deeply for their well-being.
The Vancouver Aquarium opened another exhibit recently, which showcases the Stellar sea lions and provides the public with information on the species.
