{"id":99757,"date":"2025-10-25T03:03:09","date_gmt":"2025-10-25T03:03:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/99757\/"},"modified":"2025-10-25T03:03:09","modified_gmt":"2025-10-25T03:03:09","slug":"agencies-collaborating-to-help-whales-says-whale-sanctuary-project-head","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/99757\/","title":{"rendered":"Agencies \u2018collaborating\u2019 to help whales, says Whale Sanctuary Project head"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

By\u00a0Joanne Jordan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter<\/p>\n

Guysborough Journal<\/p>\n

PORT HILFORD: While there may be no visible signs, the Whale Sanctuary Project (WSP) in Port Hilford remains under development, according to its chief executive officer Charles Vinick.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t see tangible progress on site, but we are working in the background to move this project forward with our community partners,\u201d Vinick said in a telephone interview with The Journal last week.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, he confirmed, \u201ca number of agencies are all collaborating to try to work together, including levels of government and departments, animal welfare groups, as well as Marineland,\u201d to find a home for 30 whales that remain in the now-closed aquatic theme park in Niagara Falls, Ont.<\/p>\n

With the passing of Bill S-203 in June 2019 \u2013 the Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act \u2013 keeping marine animals in captivity for entertainment and breeding purposes in Canada is no longer permitted. Since then, 18 whales \u2013 17 belugas and one orca \u2013 have died at the Marineland facility, according to media reports citing Ontario government records.<\/p>\n

Animal welfare advocates \u2013 notably, World Animal Protection Canada, a non-profit charity \u2013 has called on the federal government to convene meetings with Marineland, zoo and aquarium leaders, and other stakeholders to prioritize the welfare of the park\u2019s whales.<\/p>\n

According to marine experts, the whales \u2013 born in captivity \u2013 would not survive if released into the wild, as they lack the survival skills needed to recognize predators and secure food.<\/p>\n

The remaining options appear to be relinquishing the whales to the Ontario government or transferring them to a marine sanctuary, such as the one being developed in Port Hilford.<\/p>\n

Marineland\u2019s plan to sell some of the whales was rejected earlier this month when federal Fisheries and Oceans Minister Joanne Thompson denied permits for their export to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China. The park has since stated that it lacks the financial resources to continue feeding and caring for the animals and has reportedly considered euthanasia if funding is not secured.<\/p>\n

Animal activists have expressed concern. According to a recent report in The Independent, Camille Labchuk, director of Toronto- based Animal Justice, stated on social media, \u201cMarineland is claiming poverty while sitting on half a billion (maybe more) in property value,\u201d and called for greater transparency regarding the park\u2019s finances.<\/p>\n

Other wildlife advocates have echoed this sentiment, calling on the Ontario government to intervene and seek reimbursement through the potential sale of Marineland\u2019s property.<\/p>\n

Advocates argue the situation underscores the need for sanctuaries \u2013 such as the one planned for Port Hilford \u2013 to provide long-term care for captive marine mammals in a naturalistic environment with safety, food and medical support.<\/p>\n

In a statement posted to the WSP\u2019s website earlier this month, Vinick said, \u201cThe belugas have entertained millions of people and earned millions of dollars for Marineland\u2019s owners\u2026 These whales deserve a dignified, supportive and compassionate retirement.\u201d<\/p>\n

In development for five years, the estimated $20 million WSP \u2013 funded privately and through donations \u2013 has completed environmental reviews, risk mitigation plans, and received support from Nova Scotia\u2019s Mi\u2019kmaw Nations and several local stakeholders.<\/p>\n

The proposed location, which includes a Crown lease for 81 hectares of land and water and is adjacent to five private landowners, requires unanimous consent from all neighbouring property holders. One landowner has not yet signed the agreement.<\/p>\n

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