The federal and Ontario governments are in a plea with each other concerning the fate of 30 belugas at Marineland, which has threatened euthanasia if emergency funds are not provided by Ottawa. Premier Doug Ford suggested that the federal government reconsider its stance after denying permits for the defunct Niagara Falls amusement park to relocate the belugas to an aquarium in China.
Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson reiterated her decision to reject the permits for moving the whales to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, citing a law passed in 2019 to prevent future performances in captivity. Marineland, facing financial strain, requested emergency cash from the federal government to sustain and care for the belugas, emphasizing the threat of euthanasia if assistance is not granted.
Additionally, Marineland sought help from Thompson in finding a new home for the belugas, stating that no viable alternatives to Chimelong were available. Following Ottawa’s dismissal of the request as inappropriate, Marineland expressed collaboration with the province to address the situation, with no immediate response from provincial authorities.
With 19 belugas and one killer whale having died at Marineland since 2019, there are currently 30 belugas, segregated by gender, along with other marine animals on the premises. The amusement park has been closed since the end of the 2024 summer season, selling off rides and remaining unsold since early 2023 due to the animals hindering its sale.
In response to Marineland’s plea for emergency funds, Thompson informed the park in a letter that Ottawa would not provide financial assistance, stressing that the responsibility for animal welfare falls under the province’s jurisdiction. Thompson urged Marineland to propose alternative plans that do not involve captivity or public entertainment for the belugas.
Animal rights activists, long critical of Marineland, have intensified their calls for intervention following the euthanasia threat. World Animal Protection Canada is urging the provincial government to intervene and prevent the belugas’ deaths, emphasizing that euthanasia should only be considered based on veterinary assessments in the animals’ best interests.
Advocates are pushing for collaboration between Ottawa, Ontario, and the Nova Scotia government to establish a whale sanctuary on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore. Despite stalled progress, efforts continue to support the welfare of the belugas currently housed at Marineland.