The governments of Canada and Ontario are calling on each other to intervene in the situation of 30 beluga whales at Marineland. The amusement park has threatened to euthanize the whales unless emergency funds are provided by the federal government.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford urged the federal government to reconsider its stance after it denied permits for moving the belugas to an aquarium in China. This decision was based on a law enacted in 2019, with Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson emphasizing the importance of not subjecting the whales to future captivity performances.
Marineland is facing financial strain and has requested emergency funding from the government to ensure the well-being of the belugas. The park has also sought assistance from Thompson to find a suitable new home for the whales, emphasizing the lack of viable alternatives to the proposed relocation to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China.
Following the federal government’s response stating the request was inappropriate, Marineland expressed its collaboration with the provincial government to address the situation. Premier Ford highlighted that the responsibility for relocating the whales falls under federal jurisdiction.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has denied Marineland Canada’s request to export its 30 remaining beluga whales to the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom theme park in China. The decision is aligned with regulations to protect marine mammals from exploitation.
A total of 30 beluga whales remain at Marineland, with 19 belugas and one killer whale having died since 2019. The park also houses dolphins, seals, sea lions, bears, and deer, with the animals segregated by gender in separate pools.
Marineland has been closed to the public since the end of summer in 2024 and has started selling its rides. Despite being up for sale since early 2023, no buyers have come forward, with the presence of animals hindering the sale.
Ottawa Rejects Emergency Funding for Marineland
Fisheries Minister Thompson informed Marineland in a letter that the federal government will not provide emergency funds to the park. She emphasized that the onus is on Marineland to come up with a viable plan, as animal welfare falls under provincial jurisdiction.
Thompson encouraged Marineland to present alternative plans and assured a prompt review of any proposals. She highlighted the need for solutions that avoid continued captivity, transport risks, and public entertainment for the whales.
The refusal of emergency funds has sparked heightened activism from animal rights groups, with calls for government intervention to prevent the euthanization of the belugas. Organizations like World Animal Protection Canada are urging authorities to take action to safeguard the
