Marineland warns of mass beluga euthanasia without Ottawa’s help, after federal export denial leaves the whales with nowhere to go.
Financial Collapse Puts Belugas at Risk
Marineland, the Niagara Falls amusement park, is in a critical financial state and warns that it may be forced to euthanize its remaining 30 beluga whales without immediate federal aid. In a letter sent Friday to Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, the company said it is “fully indebted” and lacks the resources to continue providing adequate care. The park’s warning comes days after the federal government blocked its request to export the whales to China.
Federal Denial Blocks Planned Export
The export request was aimed at sending the whales to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, a theme park in China. Minister Thompson rejected the request, stating she did not want to see the whales kept in captivity for entertainment. In an interview, she said she visited the facility and “looked the belugas in the eyes,” concluding the animals “belong in the ocean.” A senior government official noted that new export applications could still be considered if they meet strict welfare standards under the Fisheries Act.
No Canadian Sanctuary Available
Marineland claims no domestic facility or ocean sanctuary can house its 30 belugas. The park emphasized that euthanasia could become unavoidable if federal funding or export permission is not granted by Oct. 7. One source involved with Marineland said caring for the whales costs about CAD 2 million per month, and revenue has collapsed since the park closed to the public last year.
Legal Restrictions Complicate Options
Canada’s 2019 law banning the keeping of whales, dolphins, and porpoises for entertainment or breeding has limited Marineland’s options. Under the legislation, exporting these animals requires a federal permit only for research or if the move is in the animal’s best interest. Marineland’s request to send the whales abroad was denied under this framework, leaving the park in a legal and financial bind.
Provincial Role and Political Pressure
Animal welfare enforcement falls under provincial jurisdiction. Ontario’s PAWS Act allows the chief animal welfare inspector to intervene in cases of distressed animals and recover costs from owners later. Premier Doug Ford expressed disappointment over the federal decision and urged Ottawa to act, saying the whales’ survival is now “on their hands.” Animal advocacy groups, including World Animal Protection Canada, called Marineland’s actions “morally reprehensible” and urged immediate provincial intervention.
Time Running Out
With the Oct. 7 deadline looming, Ottawa faces urgent choices: provide emergency funding, authorize export under strict welfare conditions, or allow provincial authorities to step in. Marineland insists that failure to act will result in euthanasia of the whales, highlighting the high-stakes consequences of federal and provincial inaction.
