In a high-risk operation, two beluga whales have been successfully rescued from the besieged city of Kharkiv in Ukraine and transported to an aquarium in Valencia, Spain. The complex mission involved a multinational team of marine mammal care experts from Oceanogràfic de Valencia, Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, and SeaWorld.

The belugas, a 15-year-old male named Plombir and a 14-year-old female called Miranda, arrived at their new home on Tuesday evening in "delicate health" after enduring a grueling and arduous journey, as reported by Georgia Aquarium. The city of Kharkiv has faced an increasing threat from artillery fire in recent weeks, with bombs falling just a few hundred meters away from the aquarium.

The operation commenced on Monday, when the team safely extracted the whales from Ukraine's NEMO Dolphinarium and embarked on a 12-hour drive from Kharkiv to Odesa. Keith Yip, an animal care specialist at SeaWorld, emphasized that the health and safety of the belugas were the primary concerns throughout the challenging mission, which included navigating rough roads, soaring temperatures, and the inherent risks incurred within an active war zone.

Upon their arrival in Valencia, the belugas were greeted by a specialized team of medical, nutritional, and behavioral experts who are providing them with the care needed to address any trauma they may have endured. To ensure a smooth transition and continued care, two Ukrainian caregivers will be staying with Plombir and Miranda for the first couple of weeks.

The successful rescue of these beluga whales highlights the collaborative efforts of the international community in safeguarding the well-being of marine life. Their journey from a war-stricken city to the safety of a controlled environment demonstrates the dedication and commitment of organizations like Oceanogràfic de Valencia, Georgia Aquarium, and SeaWorld in protecting endangered species.

These two belugas, now in the capable hands of their caregivers, can look forward to a new chapter of life in the aquarium, where they will receive the specialized attention necessary to ensure their recovery and well-being.