Three orcas were loaded onto trucks at a controversial facility in Russia's Far East on July 11 as the country continues to release animals from what the media have dubbed a "whale jail."

The secluded facility near the port town of Nakhodka contains dozens of orcas and beluga whales. They were caught for aquariums, but are about to be released after a global outcry.

Last month, two orcas, also known as killer whales, and six belugas were released after a six-day trip north to their original habitat in the Sea of Okhotsk. They were first transported by police-escorted trucks and then shipped on a barge.

The three whales loaded onto trucks recently, one male and two females, are expected to be released following a similar journey.

As for now, the facility near Nakhodka still contains five killer whales and 81 belugas.

Scientists have advised that all orcas held in the facility be released together as a group because they have formed relationships in the months since their capture and the older ones could teach the youngsters how to hunt.

They also suggested that releasing the orcas in the summer would make transportation far easier and possibly allow orcas to find the families from which they were captured before they migrate to warmer waters.

(Cover image via VCG.)

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