Marineland, the now-closed theme park in Niagara Falls, Ontario, has informed the Canadian government of its intention to euthanize 30 captive beluga whales and four dolphins on-site if it is not granted permission to relocate them to the United States, as per sources from CBC News. A delegation from Marineland met with Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson recently, providing export permits for the animals’ transfer abroad.
During the meeting, Marineland set an “imminent” deadline for permit approval, warning that if not met, they would proceed with the existing plan to euthanize the whales. The park aims to send the belugas and dolphins to various U.S. facilities, including Georgia Aquarium, Mystic Aquarium, Shedd Aquarium, and a SeaWorld location.
While CBC News contacted all four U.S. facilities, only Georgia Aquarium and Mystic Aquarium responded, offering similar statements without confirming the acceptance of the belugas and dolphins. Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) facilitated a visit by experts from Shedd Aquarium, Georgia Aquarium, Mystic Aquarium, and SeaWorld to observe the belugas at Marineland, focusing on their health and social interactions.
AZA, the American counterpart to CAZA, emphasized that it has not been directly involved in recent talks regarding the transportation of beluga whales from Marineland. AZA’s president, Dan Ashe, highlighted the expertise of U.S. facilities in beluga care and the successful rescue of belugas in the past.
Minister Thompson’s office confirmed the meeting with Marineland and the presentation of new export permits. This development marks the second instance in four months where Marineland has threatened to euthanize the belugas and dolphins. Animal Justice has urged the government to ensure that any export conditions align with Canadian laws and safeguard the animals’ welfare in U.S. facilities.
Marineland has been embroiled in controversies for years, with ongoing opposition from animal rights activists due to its practices. The park faced challenges following a 2019 federal law prohibiting breeding or entertainment use of whales, dolphins, and porpoises in Canada. Marineland ceased public operations in 2024, retaining its animal collection, including the belugas and dolphins.
Notably, 20 whales, comprising one killer whale and 19 belugas, have died at Marineland since 2019. The park has stated that it proposed a rescue plan to Minister Thompson, awaiting immediate authorization to proceed with the animals’ relocation to new homes.
