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Marineland Threatens Euthanasia for 30 Beluga Whales Amid Funding Dispute
NIAGARA FALLS, ON – Marineland, the Canadian marine park in Niagara Falls, has reportedly threatened to euthanize 30 beluga whales unless the federal government grants permission for their relocation to China or provides emergency financial assistance for their care. The ultimatum was reportedly delivered in a letter to Canadian Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson last week, citing the facility’s “critical financial state.”
The park allegedly warned that “the devastating decision of euthanasia” was being considered if their demands were not met by a Tuesday evening deadline. As of Wednesday afternoon, no update on the whales’ status has been released.
Marineland has proposed transporting the remaining 30 belugas to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China, describing it as a “humane relocation to an accredited facility” and the “only viable option.” This request follows Minister Thompson’s previous denial of export permits for the animals on legal grounds.
The park’s letter reportedly stated, “The gravity of the funding crisis at Marineland cannot be overstated; any further delay jeopardizes the welfare and security of the whales, and we fear we are running out of time to act.” It further cautioned that without export permits or adequate funding, the captive-born animals would face euthanasia as “a direct consequence of the minister’s decision.”
Minister Thompson has defended her decision to reject the permits, citing Canada’s updated fisheries laws from 2019, which prohibit the use of whales and dolphins for entertainment and ban such transfers. She has previously asserted that “all whales belong in the ocean, not in tanks for entertainment purposes.” Marineland, however, argues that no suitable ocean “sanctuary” currently exists for the animals.
The marine park, which closed to the public last year and has faced significant criticism regarding its animal treatment, has a troubling history. Reports indicate that since 2019, 20 whales, including one killer whale and 19 belugas, have died at the facility.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has voiced frustration over the federal government’s refusal of the export permits. “If we want these whales to survive, we have to move them somewhere,” Ford stated. “We need the federal government to sign off on it or these whales, they are on their hands.”
Wildlife protection advocates have strongly condemned Marineland’s threat. World Animal Protection has urged the Canadian government to “immediately step in and provide care” for the animals.
Camille Labchuk of the Canadian organization Animal Justice emphasized, “Marineland has a moral obligation to fund the future care of these animals. Canada finally has laws to protect whales and they can’t just be ignored for convenience.”
Other campaigners argue the company is responsible for the animals’ upkeep or for selling them to a responsible owner. Melissa Matlow of World Animal Protection described Marineland’s threats as “just repugnant.”