Oscar-winning actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio has convinced Russian authorities to release 100 captive Beluga whales. This news comes shortly after Leonardo tweeted a plea for the whales on Tuesday, asking his more than 18 million followers to sign a petition demanding the release of the whales. The actor’s tweet received over 20,000 likes and the Change.org petition it was linked to received over 900,000 signatures, reports People.com.
“Please sign this petition and join me in speaking out against the inhumane capture of orcas and belugas in Russia (sic),” Leo had tweeted. According to The Mirror, the whales are yet to be released, even though President Vladimir Putin was personally involved in issuing the order. The delay is reportedly due to officials taking time to figure out the best way to safely release the whales.
