Marineland Says It Will Euthanize Beluga Whales if Funding Not Received Today

A Canadian theme park announced today it will be forced to euthanize 30 beluga whales if the federal government does not provide emergency funding by the end of the day.

Marineland, located in Niagara Falls, Ontario, closed to the public last year and has been attempting to sell its assets. The park states it no longer has the financial resources to care for the remaining whales in its possession – the last captive whales in Canada. Earlier this month, a request to transfer the whales to the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China was denied by Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, who stated the export “would perpetuate the treatment these belugas have endured.”

According to a letter sent to the federal government on Friday, Marineland requested a cash infusion by October 7th, warning of the “devastating decision of euthanasia” if a response wasn’t received. Minister Thompson reportedly declined the request, writing, “The fact that Marineland has not planned for a viable alternative despite raising these whales in captivity for many years, does not place the onus on the Canadian government to cover your expenses.” This situation highlights the growing debate surrounding captive animal welfare and the responsibilities of facilities housing them.

Since 2019, 20 whales – including one killer whale and 19 belugas – have died at Marineland, coinciding with the passage of legislation making it illegal to hold whales, dolphins, and porpoises captive in Canada. While some experts caution that whales bred in captivity may struggle to survive if released into the wild due to a lack of necessary skills, organizations like World Animal Protection advocate for ending whale and dolphin captivity altogether.

Officials have indicated they will not be providing funding, leaving the future of the beluga whales uncertain.