Shuttered Amusement Park Says It Will Have to Euthanize 30 Whales Unless Government Provides Help

Marineland Park Threatens to Euthanize 30 Whales Without Funding

Marineland, a well-known amusement park and aquarium located near Niagara Falls in Canada, has issued a distressing ultimatum. The park, which closed its doors to the public in 2024 and announced its sale in 2023, is now facing a critical situation involving the welfare of 30 beluga whales in its care.

The park has declared its intention to euthanize the whales unless the Canadian government steps in to provide the necessary financial support for their upkeep. This drastic measure comes after the government rejected Marineland’s attempt to sell the whales to a park in China, citing concerns about the welfare of the animals.

Marineland has been under scrutiny for allegations of animal mistreatment for several years, with reports indicating that 20 whales have died while in the park’s care since 2019. Following these troubling revelations, Marineland made the difficult decision to close its operations after six decades of operation.

Efforts to find new homes for the remaining animals have not been successful, prompting Marineland to reach out to the government for assistance. In a letter dated October 3, the park informed Canadian authorities of the urgent need for funding or approval to relocate the beluga whales by October 7 to avoid the possibility of euthanasia.

Canada’s fisheries minister, Joanne Thompson, denied Marineland’s request to export the whales, emphasising the importance of preventing further mistreatment of the animals. Thompson expressed that it is not the government’s responsibility to cover the expenses of a private institution that has failed to plan for the welfare of the animals in its care.

Animal welfare advocates have condemned Marineland’s stance, with World Animal Protection Canada’s wildlife campaign manager, Erin Ryan, criticising the park’s moral compass. Ryan stressed that euthanasia should never be used as a cost-cutting measure and should only be considered when independent veterinary advice deems it to be in the best interest of the animals.

As the fate of the beluga whales hangs in the balance, public outcry and concerns for the wellbeing of these marine mammals continue to escalate. The situation at Marineland serves as a stark reminder of the ethical responsibilities that come with caring for animals in captivity and the importance of ensuring their welfare is paramount.

With the clock ticking on the deadline set by Marineland, the urgent need for a resolution that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of the beluga whales is clear. The unfolding developments at the park underscore the broader discussions around animal rights and the need for robust regulatory measures to safeguard vulnerable species in captivity.

As stakeholders, policymakers, and advocates grapple with the complex issues at hand, the plight of the beluga whales at Marineland stands as a sobering reminder of the challenges faced in balancing commercial interests with ethical responsibilities towards animals under human care. The outcome of this critical situation will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for wildlife conservation and animal welfare efforts moving forward.