Animal rights activists are criticizing Marineland’s ultimatum to potentially euthanize the remaining 30 belugas at the closed amusement park in Niagara Falls, Ontario unless the government provides funding for their care or approves their export by Tuesday. World Animal Protection Canada is urging the provincial government to step in and take custody of the belugas to prevent their demise. Erin Ryan, wildlife campaign manager at the organization, denounced Marineland’s action as unethical, accusing them of pressuring the Canadian government to make the right decision. She emphasized that euthanasia should only be considered based on expert veterinary advice in the animals’ best interests, not as a cost-saving measure.
In a letter addressed to federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, Marineland revealed its dire financial situation and inability to afford proper care for the belugas without government assistance. The company’s plea for funding came after their request to export the belugas to a Chinese theme park was declined by Thompson. Marineland warned that the potential euthanasia of the captive-born whales would be a direct consequence of the government’s export permit refusal, citing a critical funding crisis that jeopardizes the animals’ well-being.
Thompson rebuffed Marineland’s funding request as untimely and inappropriate, emphasizing that the government’s decision to reject the export permits aligns with regulations aimed at preventing animal exploitation. She underscored Marineland’s responsibility for the belugas’ care, with the province playing a role in ensuring their welfare. The minister pledged to engage with Marineland to address the situation promptly.
Since 2019, nineteen belugas have perished at Marineland, with the last orca passing away in 2023. Amid uncertainties about the park’s future and the well-being of its remaining animals, calls have been made for collaborative efforts between Marineland, the Ontario and federal governments, and stakeholders to devise a comprehensive plan for the animals’ future. Suggestions include establishing a whale sanctuary on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore and exploring legal options under the PAWS Act to safeguard the belugas while holding Marineland accountable for their care.
Legal experts and marine mammal researchers have criticized Marineland’s threat of euthanasia as alarming and urged swift intervention to protect the animals. The denial of export permits was likened to a death sentence for the belugas, prompting concerns about their future. Calls for exploring alternative care options and leveraging the animals for research to benefit conservation efforts have been emphasized to ensure the animals’ well-being and prevent their unnecessary demise.