Last November, footage emerged of around 100 whales being held in tiny enclosures. 1 / 6
Once the footage went viral, people around the world clamored for their release. 2 / 6
The belugas and orcas were being held in Russia for sale to Chinese aquariums. 3 / 6
Six months on and Russian authorities have confirmed that the whales will be released. 4 / 6
They've waited until now as the whales would have died if released during winter. 5 / 6
Whales with health issues will be cared for until they're ready to be freed. 6 / 6