The federal and Ontario governments are urging each other to assist 30 beluga whales at Marineland, which has threatened to euthanize the marine mammals unless emergency funds are provided by Ottawa. Premier Doug Ford called on the federal government to reconsider its stance after rejecting permits for the defunct Niagara Falls amusement park to transfer the belugas to an aquarium in China.
Last week, federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson declined to issue the permits for relocating the whales to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, citing concerns about future captivity performances, in line with a 2019 law. Marineland, facing financial strain, requested emergency funding from the federal government to sustain the whales or face euthanasia.
In response, Marineland also sought assistance from Thompson in finding an alternative destination for the belugas, emphasizing that no viable options besides Chimelong are available. Following Ottawa’s dismissal of the funding request as inappropriate, Marineland indicated collaboration with the province for a resolution, while provincial officials remained silent.
Ford emphasized that the responsibility for relocating the whales lies with the federal government. The current situation at Marineland reveals that 30 belugas remain at the park, segregated by gender, alongside other marine animals and land wildlife. With the amusement park closed since the end of the 2024 season and assets being sold off, Marineland’s inability to secure a buyer is compounded by the presence of the animals hindering any potential sale.
Thompson conveyed Ottawa’s decision to withhold emergency funds in a letter to Marineland, highlighting the park’s responsibility to devise a feasible plan given its long history of captive whale rearing. Stressing the provincial role in animal welfare, Thompson urged Marineland to propose alternate solutions promptly, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations in the whales’ future care.
As concerns mount over the belugas’ fate, animal rights activists are intensifying their calls for government intervention to prevent euthanasia. World Animal Protection Canada has urged provincial action to safeguard the whales, criticizing Marineland’s stance and pressuring authorities to prioritize the animals’ well-being over financial concerns.
In the face of escalating pressure, Ryan, a wildlife campaign manager, emphasized the ethical imperative of independent veterinary evaluation regarding euthanasia decisions. Advocating for collaboration between stakeholders and experts, Ryan proposed potential solutions, including establishing a whale sanctuary in Nova Scotia or invoking legal measures under the PAWS Act to ensure continued care for the belugas while holding Marineland financially accountable.
