Niagara Falls, Ont. — The future of the now-closed Marineland is uncertain, but many Niagara residents say they already know what they want next: a new amusement park — one that captures the joy of Marineland’s rides and community spirit, but without animals in captivity.
The 323-hectare property, once a cornerstone of Niagara tourism, sits in limbo after the passing of longtime owners John Holer in 2018 and Marie Holer earlier this year. The estate, now held in trust, is estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
Meanwhile, the fate of 30 remaining beluga whales and other animals remains unresolved after the federal government recently denied Marineland’s request to export the whales to China.
A generation that grew up at Marineland wants change
For Dominic Cliffe, who grew up visiting Marineland, the nostalgia is mixed with a modern awareness of animal welfare.
“Maybe it could be, like, a roller-coaster park,” said the 18-year-old Niagara Falls resident. “I don’t want to see them tear everything down because there’s a lot of good things there — but maybe not with, like, animals.”
Founded in 1961, Marineland was once famous for its killer whales, belugas, and marine shows. But following years of controversy, animal rights investigations, and declining attendance, the park did not reopen for the 2025 season, marking its first full closure to the public.
Economic hopes tied to revival
Former ride operator Ashley Mercer, who worked at Marineland as a teenager, remembers the energy the park once brought to her city.
“Just being able to give people that experience to come to my city and be thrilled to come to my town always made me feel really happy,” said Mercer, who now works at the Niagara Falls Fun Zone on Clifton Hill — currently the only area in the city still operating roller-coasters since Marineland’s closure.
Mercer hopes new investors will reopen the park or at least preserve its rides. “I would love to see someone come back and take the love that we all had for Marineland when I was a kid,” she said.
Local resident Devon Herrington agrees that losing Marineland without a replacement would be a “lost opportunity.”
“It’s important for the economy in Niagara Falls and the tourist experience,” he said. Herrington believes a rebuilt park should focus on education and immersive technology instead of animal shows: “You could have something that’s interactive — posters, animatronics, video — so people can learn without animals being kept there.”
Parents and longtime locals echo support
Kyler Sanderson, who used to take his young son to Marineland, says the region needs a family attraction again — just not one involving live animals.
“It’d be nice to just have somewhere to take our kids,” Sanderson said. “Any type of zoo has the potential for mistreatment. I’d rather see a kid-friendly amusement park for ages five to twelve.”
Vicki Grandits of nearby Chippawa — whose husband once worked at Marineland — said she loved the park as a child but became uneasy about animal conditions as she grew older.
“There were issues with the animals,” Grandits said. “I’d like to see another theme park built there so families don’t have to drive to Canada’s Wonderland. It would bring more jobs — right now, there’s not much going on in Niagara Falls.”
A city and mayor aligned with residents
The calls from residents mirror the position of Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati, who has publicly stated that the Marineland property should become a “world-class attraction — without the animals.”
Diodati told CBC News he has spoken with Marineland representatives and that the trust managing the estate is facing financial strain as funds to care for the remaining animals dwindle. “I hope the property goes up for sale once the animals are safely relocated,” he said.
Changing times for a historic park
For many, Marineland’s closure marks the end of an era — but also a chance to build something new that aligns with contemporary ethics.
Hamilton resident Jeremy Ludkin, who visited the park more than 35 years ago, said, “It seems to be out of favour now to go to a park and see animals performing. It’s a different world.”
Marineland’s decline mirrors a broader global shift away from captive animal entertainment. The park ended its famous whale shows in 2019 and has since struggled to maintain attendance amid protests and regulatory scrutiny.
Still, residents like Mercer see potential. “Find new owners, even if it takes a few investors,” she said. “We can still have a place that brings families joy — just with compassion this time.”
