Canadian Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson has stated that Marineland’s initiative to transfer 34 marine mammals to aquariums in the United States is “solid,” indicating that the relocation of belugas and dolphins from the closed amusement park in Niagara Falls, Ontario, is becoming more probable.
However, the recent announcement that Ottawa has provided Marineland with conditional approval for the animals’ relocation has raised concerns among animal advocates. They fear that the mammals may be exploited for breeding and performances in their prospective new environments.
The relocation plan involves transferring 30 belugas and four dolphins to “accredited” facilities that adhere to high standards of animal welfare, as Thompson informed CBC News on Tuesday in Ottawa.
Potential aquariums interested in the animals include Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, and a SeaWorld location. All four institutions are recognized by Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
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Thompson outlined two conditions that Marineland must fulfill to obtain export approval.
“First, the health of the belugas and dolphins must be evaluated by accredited veterinarians, along with a detailed transportation plan,” she explained. “Additionally, once the belugas are relocated, part of the accreditation process for these sites is ensuring that health support is accessible.”
“Once these conditions are met, I believe this is a sound plan that will allow the animals to live in significantly healthier environments.”
A CBC News drone captured belugas interacting with staff at Marineland in July. (Patrick Morrell/CBC )
According to The Canadian Press, based on internal records and official statements, 20 whales from Marineland — comprising one orca and 19 belugas — have passed away since 2019. The park ceased public operations in late 2024 following years of controversy, with animal rights activists and others vocally opposing the living conditions and performances imposed on its animals.
A federal law enacted in 2019 prohibits keeping whales, dolphins, and porpoises for breeding or entertainment purposes. Exporting these creatures necessitates a special federal permit, which the fisheries minister can issue if the animals are designated for scientific research or if their relocation is deemed to be in their best interest.
Marineland’s extensive collection also features various seals, sea lions, bears, and deer.
Conditions sought for any export permits
As Ottawa evaluates whether to issue export permits to Marineland, Camille Labchuk, executive director of Animal Justice, emphasizes the importance of including stipulations that prohibit the animals from being used for performances or breeding in their new locations.
“The ideal outcome for the whales would be relocation to a sanctuary rather than another exploitative aquarium where they could be utilized for entertainment,” Labchuk remarked in a recent interview with CBC News. “The next best option would likely be U.S. aquariums, provided that any export permits include stringent conditions that comply with Canadian law.”
There had been optimism that the belugas might find a home at a proposed whale sanctuary in Wine Harbour, Nova Scotia. However, construction has yet to commence, and the initiative, announced five years ago, still requires multiple permits and fundraising to meet the $20-million budget.
Aquatic mammals in Marineland tank are shown on May 19, 2023, in another drone image. (Patrick Morrell/CBC)
When questioned about the potential for the whales and dolphins to perform or be bred at their new facilities, Thompson did not provide a response.
Later, a senior government source familiar with the matter indicated that a transfer to the U.S. would mean the animals would be subject to the laws of the respective states. Some states permit breeding and performances.
“Any transfer would place the whales under U.S. legal requirements, with day-to-day care decisions being made by the receiving facilities based on their capabilities and animal care needs,” the source stated. “In an urgent rescue context, the minister has conditionally approved the export, considering the existing U.S. regulations and the AZA accreditation of the facilities, as this offers a robust standard of oversight aligned with the welfare of the animals.”
SeaWorld, which operates locations in San Antonio, Texas, San Diego, California, and Orlando, Florida, offers “in-water interactions” with belugas and dolphins, among other species, and provides dolphin shows.
Ex-Marineland trainer supports U.S. facilities
Kristy Burgess, a former beluga trainer at Marineland, expressed her support for the relocation plan, acknowledging that it signifies “the end of an era,” as she may never see the animals she cared for again.
In a Monday interview from Niagara Falls, Burgess described the proposed U.S. “facilities as exceptional,” asserting that she trusts the fisheries minister would not authorize the marine mammals’ transfer without adequate protections in place.
Kristy Burgess, who worked at Marineland for three years, says a potential transfer to U.S. aquariums is the best hope for the animals she loves. (Submitted by Kristy Burgess)
Burgess believes the mammals have the “best chance” if they are relocated to the U.S., especially given Marineland’s threats to euthanize them if relocation efforts are not approved by January 30.
“I am not concerned about it, and I believe activists should allow things to unfold and let these whales be relocated before worrying about these speculative scenarios.”
