Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati says there is an urgent need to relocate Marineland’s 30 beluga whales and other animals as the park runs out of both food and money.
“Unfortunately, they’re telling us they’re burning the furniture to heat the house,” Diodati told Radio-Canada. “There’s no money.”
Diodati said he spoke to park representatives Thursday and learned Marineland has been borrowing and restructuring debt to buy food for the remaining belugas, dolphins, sea lions, seals, deer and bears — but warned that it’s only a matter of time before resources are exhausted.
Park Faces Closure and Financial Collapse
Founded in 1961, the once-popular theme park has not opened since the end of summer 2024 and is now facing severe financial distress. Marineland has tried to sell its rides and assets, but mounting debts and stalled government approvals have left its animals stranded.
Last week, Marineland warned it may have to euthanize the remaining belugas after the federal government denied export permits to send them to a marine facility in China. The park has also rejected a proposed Nova Scotia sanctuary, claiming the waters are too polluted and not ready in time.
Provincial and Federal Governments Under Pressure
Premier Doug Ford has urged Ottawa to reconsider its decision to deny the export permits, calling the situation “devastating.” Ford said the cost of caring for the whales is about $2 million per month, and the province alone cannot handle it.
Animal welfare falls under provincial jurisdiction, but Diodati said this crisis requires all levels of government to act together.
“The federal government needs to work with the provincial government and with us in Niagara Falls to take care of the animals,” he said. “They’re our number one priority, and we need to focus on a soft landing — especially the belugas.”
Global Concern and Search for Solutions
The mayor said he’s received calls from animal experts and global organizations offering financial and logistical help to relocate the animals.
Moving the belugas, he added, will be the most challenging task — with some possibly not surviving the trip.
“People are anxious for these beautiful and majestic animals to have a soft landing somewhere, hopefully in Canada,” Diodati said.
Future of Marineland Property
Once the animals are relocated, Marineland’s 323-hectare property could finally be sold. The park is currently managed by a trust, as its original owners have died and no family members remain involved.
Diodati said he hopes the site can eventually become a “world-class attraction” without animals, preserving its tourism value while ending decades of animal captivity.
