The Canadian federal government has now rejected Marineland’s appeal. In exchange, they will refrain from shipping its last 5 beluga whales to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, an amusement park/aquarium in China. This announcement came from Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson. It’s a perfect fit with a 2019 federal ban prohibiting using whales and dolphins in amusement park type shows or keeping them in captivity to do so.
Marineland, an amusement park just up the road from Niagara Falls, Ontario, is home to Canada’s last captive whales. Among them is a beluga whale, who now resides in a tank in the facility. The park only recently requested permission from the federal government to ship all 30 belugas to their new home in China. The government rejected the request, citing the animals’ welfare.
Minister Thompson emphasized her commitment to protecting marine life, stating, “All whales belong in the ocean, not in tanks for entertainment purposes.” She elaborated on her decision by saying, “I could not in good conscience approve the export of these whales for further exploitation. I would welcome all export requests that align with the Fisheries Act and would expeditiously review them.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he was “extremely disappointed” with the federal government’s decision. He highlighted the need for a proper home for the whales, insisting, “We need a proper home for them, simple as that. We gotta save the whales.” Yet, Marineland can’t seem to find a place that is a proper facility for their belugas. Suddenly, they find themselves left with only one good option – relocation – to make sure that these animals get the love and care they deserve.
Moreover, since 2019 Marineland has publicly acknowledged the death of at least twenty whales (one killer whale and nineteen belugas). National Canadian Press news agency has created a database to track these events. This database is built on a combination of internal documents and public statements furnished by Marineland. Yet the park now comes under fire as it continues to provide lifelong care for its remaining belugas.
In a statement regarding the situation, Marineland argued that denying the export permits condemns the whales “to an uncertain future at a closed facility, with no ability to pay for their continued feeding and care.” The park maintains that moving these animals was the best decision possible for their safety and welfare.
The federal government plans to continue reviewing future export requests on a case-by-case basis. This process will prioritize those that meet the standards of the Fisheries Act. For the time being, Marineland needs to keep its belugas and take care of them according to established laws.
