Marineland, a marine park in Canada, has issued an ultimatum to the government: provide financial aid or the remaining 30 beluga whales will be euthanized.
In a threatening letter to fisheries officials, Marineland stated that if they do not receive a response by Tuesday night (October 7), they will assume their request has been denied.
The park ominously added that any resulting bloodshed would not be on their hands, but a “direct consequence of the minister’s decision.”
However, the government minister has fired back, blaming the park for its lack of foresight. Marineland, a water-themed park located in Niagara Falls, closed permanently last year.
The park had planned to transfer its whales to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, an aquarium in China, as reported by the New York Times.
But Fisheries Minister Joanna Thompson thwarted this plan by refusing to grant an export license. She stated that the belugas could remain in captivity and continue to entertain visitors.
Park officials have now claimed that they are out of funds to maintain the whales. They insist that the government must provide emergency assistance or the whales will meet a grim fate.
Thompson responded on Monday, criticizing the park for failing to adequately plan for the care of its animals.
“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,” she said.
The popular Ontario tourist attraction, Marineland, closed its doors in 2024 due to dwindling attendance and allegations of animal abuse.
Canada’s “Free Willy” bill, passed in 2019, prohibited the breeding of whales and dolphins for entertainment purposes, which significantly impacted the park’s operations.
Following the passage of this law, Marineland experienced a sharp decline in visitors, leading to its closure after six decades of operation.
The park also faced serious accusations of animal mistreatment. Since 2019, twenty whales have died at Marineland, as reported by the Canadian Press.
In August 2024, the New York Times reported that the park was fined for keeping three black bears in cramped cages without sufficient water for several months.
Marine parks have been under scrutiny in recent years following a series of tragic incidents involving not only animals but also trainers, such as Dawn Brancheau at SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida.