Two sea lions, Holly and Maui, aged 18, have been relocated from Marineland to the Vancouver Aquarium. The aquarium announced that the sea lions are adjusting to their new environment and are currently housed in a separate pool until they are ready to join Señor Cinco, the male sea lion already residing at the aquarium.
The move of Holly and Maui is part of a coordinated effort by Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums to find permanent homes for animals previously situated at Marineland, including 30 belugas, four dolphins, seals, bears, and deer. It remains uncertain if there are more sea lions left at Marineland following the relocation of Holly and Maui.
Mackenzie Neale, the director of animal care at Vancouver Aquarium, mentioned that Holly and Maui are considered “mature animals.” Neale emphasized the importance of ensuring the long-term health and well-being of the sea lions during their stay at the aquarium.
The team at the aquarium is dedicated to supporting the natural behaviors of the sea lions, who are social species, through daily enrichment activities and personalized wellness plans. The aquarium, which rescues over 150 marine animals annually, focuses on rehabilitating and releasing them back into the wild. Animals that cannot be returned to their natural habitat are provided lifelong care at the facility.
Despite inquiries from CBC Hamilton, Marineland has not provided details regarding recent animal relocations or the number of animals still remaining at the facility. Drone footage captured by CBC News displayed beluga whales at Marineland being fed in their tank, along with numerous deer seen grazing on the premises.
Approval for Whale Export
Reports indicate that 20 whales have died at Marineland since 2019, based on internal records and official statements. Marineland, located near Horseshoe Falls, ceased public operations in the summer of 2024 and has been seeking approval to export its whales to other aquariums, citing financial challenges in caring for the animals.
The estimated cost of caring for the 30 beluga whales at Marineland is approximately $2 million per month, as stated by Premier Doug Ford. The park aims to transition to animal-free attractions, as shared by Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati.
Recently, the federal government conditionally approved Marineland’s request to transfer its belugas and dolphins to U.S.-based facilities, including Georgia Aquarium, Mystic Aquarium, Shedd Aquarium, and a SeaWorld location.