Animal welfare activists are criticizing Marineland’s ultimatum to euthanize the 30 remaining beluga whales at its closed facility in Niagara Falls, Ontario, if the government does not provide funding for their care or approve their export by Tuesday. World Animal Protection Canada is urging the provincial government to step in and take custody of the whales to prevent their death. Erin Ryan, wildlife campaign manager at the organization, expressed disdain for Marineland’s actions, stating that using euthanasia as a cost-saving measure is unacceptable. She emphasized that euthanasia should only be considered based on professional veterinary assessment in the animals’ best interest.
Marineland, in a letter addressed to federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, disclosed its dire financial situation and inability to afford adequate care for the belugas, leading to the potential euthanasia threat. The company’s request for export permits to send the belugas to a theme park in China was recently denied, prompting Marineland to seek government assistance. Thompson responded by deeming Marineland’s funding plea “inappropriate” and emphasized the government’s commitment to animal protection laws that prohibit further exploitation of marine mammals.
The ongoing crisis at Marineland, compounded by the deaths of 19 belugas since 2019 and the closure of the park this year, has raised concerns about the welfare of the remaining animals. Calls for collaborative efforts between governments and experts to develop a sustainable plan for the belugas have been ongoing. Advocates are proposing the establishment of a whale sanctuary on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore as a viable solution. However, progress on this initiative seems stalled, underscoring the urgency to address the belugas’ well-being.
Legal experts and marine mammal researchers have criticized Marineland’s drastic measure of euthanizing the belugas, describing it as a severe response to the export denial. They argue that alternative solutions, such as relocating the belugas to suitable facilities or research purposes, should be explored to ensure the animals’ welfare. The refusal of export permits has left Marineland with limited options, prompting concerns about the future of the belugas and the need for swift intervention to safeguard their lives.
