RUSSIAN police have uncovered a sadistic “whale prison” where nearly 100 orcas and belugas are being held in cages.

The disturbing case has prompted the intervention of animal-loving Kremlin strongman Vladimir Putin who has ordered the release of the sea mammals.

13 Nearly 100 whales are being held in cramped pens in Far East Russia Credit: Getty - Contributor

According to news agency TASS, the whales were being held captive in Russia’s Far East and were intended for sale to aquariums and amusement parks in China.

Images of the animals, kept in cramped enclosures in a bay near the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea, port town of Nakhodka, first appeared last year, triggering a wave of criticism including from celebs such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Pamela Anderson.

The Kremlin has said the 11 orcas and 87 beluga whales were held in cruel and cramped conditions.



CRUEL WHALE JAIL

But the problem of how to release the whales without harming them has caused delays and the animals remain in the enclosures, which Russian media have nicknamed a "whale prison".

Russia's federal security service, the FSB, brought charges against four companies on Monday for breaking fishing laws, TASS reports.

An FSB spokesperson said: "Expertise showed that the animals were kept in unsatisfactory conditions, and must be released into their natural habitat.”

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said last week that Putin, who is known for his love of dogs and animals, had personally stepped in to handle the matter.

13 Accoring to reports, 87 beluga whales are being held in the camp Credit: Getty - Contributor

13 Orcas are also being held with the intention of being sold to Chinese theme parks Credit: TASS / Barcroft Media

13 Russian cops have now intervened and plan to release the animals Credit: Getty - Contributor

13 The case has caused an international outcry from animal rights activists Credit: Getty - Contributor

13 The sick whale jail is located in a bay near the port town Credit: Getty - Contributor

"We are doing everything we can," Ecology Minister Dmitry Kobylkin was cited by TASS yesterday.

He said: “No one objects to releasing the orcas, but the most important thing is to release them properly.”

Mr Kobylkin cited cold weather as one of the obstacles to freeing the whales without causing them any harm.

A petition to release the whales, shared by Oscar-winning movie star Leonardo DiCaprio on social media, has gathered more than 900,000 signatures online.

Former Baywatch actress and animal rights activist Pamela Anderson posted an open letter to Putin on her website.

13 Russian authorities are debating the best way to release the animals without endangering them Credit: Free Russian Whales/The Siberian Times

13 The freezing cold weather in Russia is one of the obstacles the Kremling is facing, a government minister said Credit: The Siberian Times

13 The whales have been kept in cruel and cramped conditions, according to Russian news agency TASS Credit: The Siberian Times

13 The animals were to be sold to Chinese buyers, before Putin stepped in Credit: Free Russian Whales/The Siberian Times

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She wrote: "News about the 'whale jail' near Nakhodka, the icy conditions, and the suffering of the orca and beluga whales is causing international concern.”

Further complicating matters is the fact that Russia has no direct ban on the catching of such animals, Kremlin spokesman Peskov said last week.

They can be caught, in specific circumstances, for scientific and educational purpose.

13 Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly personally intervened in the case Credit: AP:Associated Press

13 Oscar winner Leo shared a petition against the whale prison on social media Credit: Reuters

13 Pamela Anderson wrote an open letter to Vlad highlighting the disturbing treatment of the whales Credit: Getty Images - Getty

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