Marineland Threatens to Euthanize 30 Belugas at Niagara Falls Park
Marineland, a former amusement park located in Niagara Falls, Ontario, has announced plans to euthanize 30 captive belugas and four dolphins if it doesn’t receive permission from the Canadian government to export them to the United States. This alarming development comes after Marineland representatives met with Fisheries and Oceans Minister Joanne Thompson to discuss export permits for the marine mammals.
Imminent Threat of Euthanasia
During the meeting, Marineland emphasized the urgency of its request. The facility explained that it has a plan ready to euthanize the animals should the government fail to act swiftly on the permit request, which was described as having an “imminent” deadline.
Proposed Destinations for Belugas and Dolphins
Marineland aims to send the belugas and dolphins to notable locations, including:
- Georgia Aquarium
- Mystic Aquarium
- Shedd Aquarium
- SeaWorld
Responses from the U.S. aquariums have been cautious. Both Georgia Aquarium and Mystic Aquarium issued statements indicating they could not confirm acceptance of the animals at this time.
Expert Observations and Evaluations
In recent developments, experienced aquatic behavioral and veterinary experts visited Marineland to evaluate the health and social dynamics of the belugas. This visit was organized by Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) and involved professionals from four accredited facilities. Insights from their observations will help guide future plans for the animals.
Statements from Officials
Jennifer Sherman, vice-president of marketing at Mystic Aquarium, stated that the focus should remain on the well-being of the animals. Dan Ashe, President and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), emphasized the importance of swift government collaboration for potential rescue options, citing the successful rescue of belugas from Ukraine as a model.
Government Response to Marineland’s Request
Minister Thompson’s office confirmed the meeting occurred at Marineland’s request and promised an expedited review of the export permits. This represents the second time in recent months that Marineland has threatened euthanasia, previously citing financial constraints and a governmental denial of a permit for export to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China.
Animal Rights Concerns
Animal rights group Animal Justice has critical concerns regarding the export process. They advocate for strict conditions to ensure the animals are not exploited or bred upon their relocation to the U.S. Camille Labchuk, the group’s executive director, emphasized the importance of safeguarding the animals’ quality of life post-export.
Controversy Surrounding Marineland
Marineland has faced scrutiny from animal rights activists for years, particularly since a 2019 federal law prohibited the breeding and entertainment use of marine mammals in Canada. This law has complicated the facility’s operations and ultimately led to the closing of its doors to the public in late 2024.
Statistics and Recent Concerns
Since 2019, reports indicate that twenty marine mammals, including one killer whale and 19 belugas, have died at Marineland, raising further concerns about the conditions in which the remaining animals live. While Marineland asserts it has proposed a rescue solution to the government, response from officials and activists remains cautious as the fate of the belugas and dolphins hangs in the balance.
As the situation develops, the urgency for a resolution increases, putting both Marineland and the Canadian government under intense scrutiny from the public and advocacy groups.
