Marineland, a theme park in Canada’s Niagara Falls, is facing charges over its handling of American black bears in captivity.
Ontario’s ministry of the solicitor general confirmed on Wednesday (31 May) that it had laid the charges against Marineland as the park had failed to comply with an order related to its black bears.
Brent Ross, a spokesperson for the ministry, said the park “has been charged with three counts of failing to comply with an order, related to the care of American black bears” (via ABC News).
Ross said the charges had been laid under a section of the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act that allows an inspector to issue an order to help animals that may be in distress. If a facility does not comply with the order, it faces charges.
Park failed to comply with an order
“Given this matter is now before the court, it would be inappropriate for the ministry to comment further,” Ross added.
Animal rights activists have been fighting to shut down the Canadian park for many years. In 2016, Ontario’s animal welfare agency charged Marineland with one count of failing to comply with the prescribed standards of care for around 35 American black bears.
This included failing to provide adequate and appropriate food and water for the bears. The park is now home to an unknown number of black bears.
In December 2021, Marineland was charged under the Criminal Code for allegedly using dolphins and whales for entertainment purposes without authorisation.
Zoo Miami in Florida recently apologised for offering an encounter with a kiwi, New Zealand’s national bird, with a spokesperson admitting the zoo has “offended a nation”.
Born Free, a wildlife conservation charity, released a report earlier this year calling for a ban on keeping polar bears in captivity.
The charity previously called for a ban on keeping elephants in captivity. Some zoos are already phasing the animals out.
