Four beluga whales are adjusting to life at the Shedd Aquarium after being moved from a defunct marine tourist attraction in Ontario, Canada, that had threatened to euthanize the sea mammals. 

The images of the whales have captured the hearts of many, but the move isn’t without controversy. 

In the Loop hears the story of how the Canadian belugas came to be swimming in Chicago and why this is raising longstanding questions of what’s in the best interest of whales in human care. 

GUESTS: Johnny Ford, vice president of communications, Shedd Aquarium

Kaitlyn Mitchell, director of legal advocacy, Animal Justice

Stefano Esposito, Chicago Sun-Times features reporter

For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.