Marineland, the amusement park in Niagara Falls, Ontario, has announced plans to euthanize 30 belugas and four dolphins unless it receives federal permission to transfer the animals to U.S. facilities. The park’s representatives met with Canada’s Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard, Joanne Thompson, presenting export permits for the animals.
Urgent Deadline for Export Permits
During the meeting, Marineland emphasized an “imminent” deadline for approval. If the permits are not granted, the park intends to proceed with euthanasia. This marks the second time this year that the facility has raised such threats.
Potential Destinations for the Animals
- Georgia Aquarium
- Mystic Aquarium
- Shedd Aquarium
- SeaWorld
Marineland seeks to transport the belugas and dolphins to these accredited institutions. However, responses from the U.S. aquariums have been cautious, with both Georgia and Mystic Aquariums refraining from confirming any plans for acceptance.
Experts Observing Marineland’s Belugas
Experts from four AZA-accredited facilities recently visited Marineland to assess the health and social dynamics of the belugas. The visit aimed to inform future decisions regarding the animals’ well-being. Jennifer Sherman from Mystic Aquarium commented that it is premature to formalize any acceptance plans for the belugas.
Government Response and Animal Advocacy
The Minister’s office has acknowledged the meeting with Marineland and stated that Thompson will review the permits promptly. Animal rights group Animal Justice has urged the government to ensure that exported animals are not used for breeding or performance purposes in the U.S.
Background on Marineland
Marineland has faced scrutiny from animal rights activists due to controversies surrounding its animal treatment. Since 2019, Canadian law has prohibited keeping cetaceans for entertainment, impeding Marineland’s business model. The park closed to the public in late 2024, following difficulty in finding buyers for its property and animals.
Recent Fatalities at Marineland
Since 2019, a total of 20 whales, including one killer whale and 19 belugas, have died at Marineland. This ongoing situation has raised further concerns about the welfare of the remaining animals.
As federal discussions continue, the fate of the belugas and dolphins hangs in the balance. The decision from Canada’s government will be crucial to providing a safe future for these marine mammals.
