Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, is facing a critical situation as it struggles to provide food for its 30 beluga whales and other animals due to financial constraints. The mayor, Jim Diodati, revealed that the park is on the verge of exhausting its resources and has resorted to restructuring and borrowing money to sustain the animals but acknowledges that the funds are limited.
Established in 1961, Marineland did not operate during the last season and has been closed to the public since the end of summer 2024. The park is currently in the process of selling off its assets, including rides, amidst financial challenges. The company recently expressed concerns about the possibility of euthanizing the remaining beluga whales after the government rejected their request to export them to China’s Chimelong Ocean Kingdom.
Despite efforts to find a suitable sanctuary or facility in Canada for the whales, Marineland has faced obstacles, citing issues with proposed locations. The park has encountered significant financial difficulties, leading to the conclusion that it is no longer sustainable to care for the beluga whales on-site.
Premier Doug Ford has been advocating for the federal government to reconsider their decision on export permits for the belugas, emphasizing that the cost of caring for these animals amounts to approximately $2 million monthly. Meanwhile, Diodati has been receiving offers from global animal experts and organizations willing to support the rescue of the Marineland animals, particularly the belugas, which pose a challenge due to the difficulty of relocation.
Collaboration between Marineland, provincial, and federal authorities is deemed essential to finding a solution for the animals’ future. The mayor stressed the importance of ensuring a smooth transition for the animals, especially the belugas, with hopes for a positive outcome within Canada. Once the animals are relocated from the property, Marineland plans to sell the land and transform it into a non-animal-based attraction.