Fireworks display cancelled for safety of Benny the Beluga whale living in the Thames

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Jacob Jarvis19 October 2018

A fireworks display on the River Thames has been cancelled to help keep Benny the Beluga “safe and well”.

The large white mammal took up residence in a section of the Thames near Gravesend on Tuesday, September 25, and remains in situ in the area.

A display had been planned near its new home for Friday, November 2, where fireworks were to be launched from a barge in the water.

However, authorities have apologised to residents after deciding to postpone the display following discussions with the Port of London Authority.

Groups of people have travelled to see the whale
AFP/Getty Images

Councillor David Turner, Leader of Gravesham Borough Council, said: “While we are very disappointed at having to postpone the fireworks, we understand the need to keep Benny safe, must take priority.

“Every effort will be made to reschedule this hugely popular event, but a decision cannot be made now as no-one knows how long Benny will remain in residence here.

“Keeping Benny safe has to be our priority while he visits us here in Gravesend, thousands of miles from his usual Arctic habitat. I’m sure everyone, while disappointed by this postponement of the fireworks, will understand.”

Gravesham Borough Council was advised that disturbing the whale would breach the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

The authority has said the fireworks event will be rearranged for when the whale leaves.

Experts have been monitoring the beluga during its time in the water which was first spotted by ecologist and ornithologist Dave Andrews.

At the time he tweeted: “Can't believe I'm writing this, no joke - BELUGA in the Thames off Coalhouse Fort.”

How long it may stay in the area is unknown and it was previously refuted that it could be airlifted out to be dropped into international waters.

Those assessing the situation have expressed their desire that it will leave the area of its own accord without human intervention.

People heading to see the beluga have been asked to stay on land and to not disturb the animal, particularly not by venturing into the water.

Beluga whales are often known as white whales (file photo)
AFP/Getty Images

The age and sex of the whale have not been confirmed.

In terms of size, estimates put it at around 3.5metres, or 11 feet, in length.

Beluga whales are most commonly found in Arctic habitats – meaning the animal in the Thames could be more than 1,000 miles from its home.

They are related to the narwhal, the tusked ‘unicorn’ whale, and also known as white whales due to their distinctive colour.

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