The federal and Ontario governments are encouraging each other to help 30 belugas at Marineland, which has threatened to euthanize the whales if the park doesn’t receive emergency funding from Ottawa.
The federal government should reconsider its position after denying permits for the now-defunct Niagara Falls amusement park that had applied to transfer belugas to an aquarium in China, Premier Doug Ford said Tuesday.
Last week, federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson said she refused to issue permits to transport the whales to the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom because she did not want to subject them to future performance in captivity, which is consistent with a law passed in 2019. She reiterated this position on Monday when addressing reporters at Queen’s Park in Toronto.
Marineland said it is quickly running out of money and has asked the federal government for an emergency cash infusion to help it feed and care for the whales — otherwise the belugas would be euthanized.
Marineland also asked Thompson for help in finding a new suitor for the whales. The company said there are no other viable alternatives to Chimelong that the animals can take.
He gave the federal government until Tuesday to respond. Ottawa said the request was inappropriate, after which Marineland indicated in a statement that it was working with the province on a solution, although there was no immediate comment from provincial officials.
Ford previously said allowing the relocation of the whales was a federal responsibility.
WATCH | Marineland Export Licenses Denied:
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has denied Marineland Canada’s request to export the remaining 30 beluga whales to the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom theme park in China. The decision is in line with regulations to protect marine mammals from exploitation.
Twenty whales – 19 belugas and one orca – have died at Marineland since 2019. Currently, 30 belugas are in the park, with the males in one pool and the females in another. Four dolphins and several seals and sea lions also remain, as do the park’s collection of bears and deer.
Marineland has not opened to the public since late summer 2024 and has started selling its rides. It has been for sale since early 2023, although no buyer has come forward. Animals on site are an impediment to its sale.
Ottawa denies Marineland emergency funds
Thompson said in a letter sent to Marineland Monday night that Ottawa will not bail them out with emergency funds.
“The fact that Marineland has not planned a viable alternative, despite having bred these whales in captivity for many years, does not place the burden on the Canadian government to cover its expenses,” wrote the Minister of Fisheries.
Thompson said the Ontario government has a role to play, as animal welfare falls under the provincial purview.
She urged Marineland to come up with a new plan and said she would consider any proposals quickly.
“Right now, you have presented only one proposal, which would mean continuing life in captivity, more risks in
transportation, especially at this distance, and, most importantly, a return to public entertainment for these whales,” Thompson wrote.
“To reiterate, I remain open to export license requests and ask Marineland to act in good faith.”
Animal rights activists demand action
While Marineland has been a target of animal rights activists for years, the news that belugas are now at risk of being euthanized has made them more vocal.
World Animal Protection Canada, for example, is calling on the provincial government to intervene and capture the whales to prevent their deaths.
Erin Ryan, the organization’s wildlife campaign manager, previously told CBC News that “it is morally reprehensible” for Marineland to hold the Canadian government hostage “for making what is essentially the right decision.”
Euthanasia should not be viewed as a cost-cutting measure, Ryan said.
“It should only be seen as an option when an independent veterinary assessment considers it to be in the best interests of the animals.”
Ryan said his animal rights organization has been calling for years for Marineland, the federal and Ontario governments to bring together experts and stakeholders to discuss the best plan for the animals.
Ryan is calling on Ottawa and Ontario to work with the Nova Scotia government as part of efforts to help build a whale sanctuary off Nova Scotia’s east coast. Plans for the project, however, appear to have stalled, although the project website Whale Sanctuary Project is being updated with Marineland beluga news.
Another option, Ryan said, would be for Ontario to confiscate the belugas now under the PAWS Act and care for the animals.
“But it’s important to note that this would not keep Marineland out of the woods financially. We must hold them financially responsible for the care of these animals under every possible legal option.”
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