Marineland, an aquarium, zoo and theme park in Canada’s Niagara Falls, has threatened to euthanise 30 beluga whales if Canada's federal government does not provide financial support.
Via the Guardian, the marine park, which has faced several challenges in recent years, said it may have to euthanise the animals after Canada's fisheries minister blocked their transfer to a theme park in China.
Marineland had planned to send the cetaceans to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Zhuhai, but animal rights groups are arguing that they should be transferred to a sanctuary.
Transfer to Chinese theme park blocked
Joanne Thompson, Canada’s fisheries minister, blocked the export permit last week. She said she “could not in good conscience approve an export that would perpetuate the treatment these belugas have endured”.
She added: “To approve the request would have meant a continued life in captivity and a return to public entertainment.”
In a letter dated 3 October (via the Independent), Marineland said: "The gravity of the funding crisis at Marineland cannot be overstated; any further delay jeopardizes the welfare and security of the whales, and we fear we are running out of time to act.
"Our only options at this point are to either relocate the whales or face the devastating decision of euthanasia... [such an action] will be a direct consequence of the minister's decision."
Cetacean deaths at Marineland
Marineland previously told the Guardian that its whales “receive far better healthcare and around-the-clock attention than any human in the UK, or anywhere else”.
According to documents compiled by the Canadian Press, 20 whales, 19 belugas and one orca have died at Marineland since 2019.
In 2021, the park was charged under the Criminal Code for allegedly using dolphins and whales for entertainment purposes without authorisation. In 2024, it was found guilty under Ontario's animal cruelty laws of three charges related to its care of three black bears.
The park did not open for the 2025 summer season and is winding down its operations in advance of an expected sale.
