Marineland, a former theme park and zoo in Niagara Falls, Ontario, has submitted requests to the Canadian government for approval to transfer all 30 beluga whales under its care, as per a government source familiar with the matter. Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, a tourist destination in Zhuhai, China, has expressed interest in potentially acquiring the belugas.
This year marks the first time in Marineland’s six-decade history, aside from closures due to the pandemic, that the park did not commence its seasonal operations, prompting concerns about the welfare of the remaining animals. Over the past two years, 19 belugas have perished at the facility, with the last orca, Kiska, passing away in 2023.
Recent drone footage captured by CBC News in late July depicted Marineland staff engaging with the belugas and dolphins at the closed park in Niagara Falls. Notably, the ‘Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act,’ enacted in 2019, prohibits the use of cetaceans for breeding or entertainment purposes in Canada.
Transporting cetaceans out of the country is also restricted, except under special circumstances such as scientific research or for the well-being of the animals. Since May 2021, no permits for cetacean exports have been issued in Canada, following the sale of five belugas from Marineland to Mystic Aquarium, where three of them succumbed to various health issues within two years.
Andrew Trites, the Director of the Marine Mammal Research Unit at the University of British Columbia, emphasized the vital role of assessing the whales’ health before any potential relocation, underscoring the need for meticulous planning to ensure their safety during transport.
In light of the pending decision on Marineland’s export applications, Camille Labchuk from Animal Justice advocates for the possibility of sending the belugas to a seaside sanctuary, ideally funded partially by Marineland. However, the prospect of releasing the belugas into the ocean directly is deemed unrealistic by experts due to their lack of adaptation to the wild environment.
The fate of the belugas remains contingent upon Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, awaiting a comprehensive report from her department to make an informed decision that prioritizes the animals’ best interests while upholding legal obligations.