A national animal law advocacy organization is urging the Canadian government to impose a restriction on breeding for most of the 30 beluga whales at Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ont., that are set to be transferred to U.S. aquariums. The call from Animal Justice comes as the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has given the green light for an emergency rescue operation involving approximately 28 of the whales to be distributed among four U.S. aquariums. Two additional whales are planned for transport to an aquarium in Spain, pending the necessary permits from the Spanish government.
Animal Justice emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the relocated whales are not used for entertainment purposes similar to the practices at Marineland. The organization highlights a shift in public opinion away from captive marine mammal shows, with Marineland closing its doors to the public in 2024.
The office of Canadian Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson has not committed to preventing breeding or entertainment use of the whales at their new locations, stopping short of explicit assurances.
A drone shot of Marineland in Niagara Falls taken in May 2023, before the park’s closure. (Patrick Morrell/CBC)
Thompson’s office has previously stated that each whale must undergo a health assessment by a Canadian veterinarian as part of the export permit requirements.
In response to Animal Justice’s request for clarity on permit conditions, deputy director Erik Nosaluk from the minister’s office cited the ongoing health evaluations as a prerequisite for finalizing the transfer authorizations under the Fisheries Act.
Nosaluk affirmed that the minister has deemed the relocation plan as compliant with Canadian laws and in the best interest of the animals.
The federal policy mandates that exported cetaceans should not be bred or impregnated at their destination facilities.
Safety of whale rescue top priority for U.S. aquarium official
The four U.S. aquariums receiving the beluga whales are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which entails a rigorous evaluation process covering all aspects of animal care and facility operations, as confirmed by the association.