The federal and Ontario governments are urging each other to help 30 belugas at Marineland, which has threatened to euthanize the whales if the park does not receive emergency funds from Ottawa.
The federal government should reconsider its position after denying the defunct Niagara Falls amusement park permits it had requested to move the belugas to an aquarium in China, Premier Doug Ford said Tuesday.
Last week, federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson said she turned down issuing the permits to move the whales to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom because she did not want to subject them to a future performing in captivity, which is consistent with a law passed in 2019. She reiterated this stand Monday while addressing reporters at Queen’s Park in Toronto.
Marineland had said it is quickly running out of money and asked the federal government for an infusion of emergency cash 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 has said there are no other viable alternatives to Chimelong that can take the animals.
It gave the federal government until Tuesday to respond. Ottawa said the request was inappropriate, after which Marineland indicated in a statement it was working with the province on a solution, though here was no immediate comment from provincial officials.
Ford said previously that allowing the whales to be relocated was a federal responsibility.
WATCH | Marineland export permits denied:
Marineland’s request to export belugas to China denied by feds
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has denied Marineland Canada’s request to export its 30 remaining beluga whales to the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom theme park in China. The decision is aligned with regulations to protect marine mammals from exploitation.
Twenty whales —19 belugas and one killer whale — have died at Marineland since 2019. Currently, 30 belugas are at the park, with the males in one pool and the females in another. Four dolphins, and several seals and sea lions also remain, as does the park’s complement of bears and deer.
Marineland has not opened to the public since the end of summer in 2024 and has begun selling off its rides. It has been up for sale since early 2023, though no buyer has come forward. The animals on site are an impediment to its sale.
Ottawa denies Marineland emergency funds
Thompson said in a letter sent to Marineland on Monday night that Ottawa will not be bailing them out with emergency funds.
“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,” the fisheries minister wrote.
An aerial view of Marineland as seen in the drone footage. The shuttered amusement park didn’t open this season, but is still caring for belugas and other animals. (Patrick Morrell/CBC)
Thompson said the Ontario government has a role to play as animal welfare is under the provincial purview.
She urged Marineland to come up with a new plan and said she will consider any proposal quickly.
“At this point, you have only brought forward one proposal, which would mean continued life in captivity, further risks in
transport, especially at this distance, and importantly, a return to public entertainment for these whales,” Thompson wrote.
“To reiterate, I remain open to export permit applications and urge Marineland to act in good faith.”
Animal rights activists demand action
While Marineland has been the target of animal rights activists for years, news that the belugas now risk euthanization has made them more vocal.
World Animal Protection Canada, for one, is calling on the provincial government to intervene and seize the whales to prevent their death.
Erin Ryan, wildlife campaign manager with the organization, previously told CBC News “it’s morally reprehensible” for Marineland to be holding the Canadian government hostage “for making what is essentially the right decision.”
Euthanasia shouldn’t be seen as a cost-saving measure, Ryan said.
“It should only be seen as an option when independent veterinary assessment deems that it’s in the best interest of the animals.”
Ryan said her animal advocacy organization has been calling for years for Marineland, and the Ontario and federal governments to bring together experts and stakeholders to talk about 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 on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore. Plans for the project, however, appear to have stalled, although the website for the Whale Sanctuary Project is being updated with news of the Marineland belugas.
Another option, said Ryan, would be for Ontario to seize the belugas now under the PAWS Act and care for the animals.
“But it’s important to note that wouldn’t keep Marineland financially off the hook. We must hold them financially accountable for the care of those animals under all legal possible options.”