In the midst of political contention and the looming threat of euthanasia, the remaining 30 belugas at Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ont., are facing limited relocation possibilities. The closed theme park and zoo disclosed last week that the whales are at risk of euthanasia after their export applications to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China were denied by Ottawa.
Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson expressed reservations about approving the export request, citing concerns that the whales could be exploited for entertainment purposes. Thompson mentioned being open to exploring alternative export requests and has been in discussions with a provincial counterpart to seek potential solutions.
Although federal authorities oversee export applications for whales, the legal responsibility for animal welfare lies with the province. Ontario Premier Doug Ford urged Thompson to reconsider her decision and assist in relocating the whales out of the country.
Releasing the belugas into the wild would likely lead to their demise, according to Andrew Trites, the director of the Marine Mammal Research Unit at the University of British Columbia. Trites warned that introducing them to an unfamiliar environment could result in rejection by other animals, leading to a life of starvation and isolation.
One proposed solution advocated by some animal welfare groups is the establishment of a seaside sanctuary where the belugas could reside in a designated ocean enclosure. However, such a sanctuary is currently nonexistent in North America, except for the Beluga Whale Sanctuary in Klettsvik Bay, Iceland, operated by the British charity SEA LIFE Trust.
The sanctuary in Iceland accommodates up to 10 belugas and took in Little Grey and Little White from an aquarium in China in 2020. Despite efforts, the whales have spent most of their time in an indoor pool nearby, facing challenges such as an oil spill and adapting to the open-water environment.
The U.S.-based Whale Sanctuary Project in Port Hilford Bay, N.S., has been proposed as a potential option for the Marineland belugas. The project aims to house eight to 10 belugas and is currently seeking federal and provincial approvals, facing challenges due to lack of consent from adjacent landowners.
While opinions on the best course of action vary, some advocate for the relocation of the belugas to conventional aquariums where they can receive familiar care and attention. Animal advocates stress the moral obligation of governments to prevent the euthanization of Marineland’s belugas, urging collaboration to secure a suitable facility or sanctuary for the whales.
