The federal and Ontario governments are pressuring each other to assist 30 beluga whales at Marineland, a situation that has led to a threat of euthanasia for the whales if the park does not receive immediate funding from Ottawa.
Premier Doug Ford suggested that the federal government reconsider its stance after rejecting Marineland’s request for permits to relocate the belugas to an aquarium in China. This decision was made by federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, who cited concerns about future captivity performances, aligning with a 2019 law. Marineland’s plea for emergency financial aid to support the care and feeding of the belugas or face euthanization has added urgency to the situation.
Marineland has also asked for assistance from Thompson in finding an alternative destination for the whales, emphasizing that no viable options comparable to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom are available. Following Ottawa’s dismissal of the funding request as inappropriate, Marineland has indicated collaboration with the province to address the issue, without an immediate response from provincial authorities.
Ford emphasized that the responsibility for relocating the whales falls under federal jurisdiction, as the park faces financial strain and the urgent need to address the belugas’ welfare. With a history of 19 belugas and one killer whale dying at Marineland since 2019, the remaining 30 belugas are segregated by gender in the park, alongside other marine animals and land species.
Marineland’s closure since the end of the 2024 summer season and the sale of its rides signify financial challenges, with the presence of animals hindering potential buyers. In response to Marineland’s plea for emergency funds, Thompson conveyed Ottawa’s decision not to provide financial assistance, emphasizing the provincial role in animal welfare and urging Marineland to propose alternative solutions promptly.
As animal rights activists intensify their calls for intervention to prevent the belugas’ euthanasia, organizations like World Animal Protection Canada are urging government intervention to safeguard the whales’ lives. Criticism has been directed at Marineland for considering euthanasia as a cost-saving measure, with advocates stressing the importance of veterinary assessments in deciding the animals’ well-being.
A plea has been made for Ottawa and Ontario to collaborate with the Nova Scotia government to establish a whale sanctuary on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore, although progress on this front appears stalled. Meanwhile, suggestions include invoking the PAWS Act for Ontario to assume responsibility for caring for the belugas, while also emphasizing the need to hold Marineland financially accountable for the animals’ welfare under all available legal avenues.