Animal welfare activists are denouncing Marineland’s ultimatum to euthanize the 30 remaining beluga whales at the closed theme park in Niagara Falls, Ontario, if the government fails to provide funding or allow their export by Tuesday. World Animal Protection Canada is urging the provincial government to step in and take custody of the belugas to prevent their demise. Erin Ryan, from the organization, criticized Marineland for holding the government hostage and emphasized that euthanasia should only be considered based on veterinary assessment for the animals’ best interest, not financial reasons.
Marineland, in a letter to federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, disclosed its financial struggles and inability to sustain proper care for the belugas, following the denial of export permits by the government. The company highlighted the urgent need for funding to ensure the welfare of the whales, linking any decision to euthanize them directly to the export permit refusal.
Federal Fisheries Minister Thompson deemed Marineland’s request for immediate funding after the export permit denial as inappropriate, emphasizing that the decision was made to prevent further exploitation of the animals under strengthened regulations. Thompson stressed Marineland’s responsibility for the belugas’ care and stated that discussions with the company were scheduled to address the situation.
Over the past two years, 19 belugas have died at Marineland, with the last orca passing away in 2023. Concerns about the future of the remaining animals have escalated, as Marineland faced financial constraints and operational challenges due to the pandemic. Advocates have been advocating for collaborative efforts between Marineland and government authorities to develop a sustainable plan for the animals, including the establishment of a whale sanctuary in Nova Scotia.
Legal experts and marine biologists have condemned Marineland’s threat to euthanize the belugas, calling for immediate intervention to protect the animals. The denial of export permits has been likened to a “death sentence” for the belugas, with concerns raised about their future well-being and the lack of viable options. Efforts to explore alternative solutions for the belugas, such as research collaborations and conservation initiatives, have been suggested to ensure a positive outcome for the animals and their environment.