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5h ago

Ontario Confirms Marineland’s 30 Belugas Are Alive as Export Ban Holds

A federal refusal to send the whales to China under Canada’s anti‑captivity law leaves authorities seeking welfare‑based relocation without an obvious sanctuary.

Two beluga whales seen swimming at Marineland in July 2024, before the park's closure to the public.
Beluga whales swim in a tank at Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ont., Friday, June 9, 2023. Another beluga whale has died Marineland, bringing the number of dead whales at the Niagara Falls, Ont., tourist attraction to 15 over the past four years.
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Overview

  • The Ontario solicitor general’s office said all 30 belugas remain alive and under Marineland’s care after the park’s euthanasia deadline passed.
  • Marineland had warned in a letter that it would euthanize the whales unless Ottawa approved emergency funding or an export, setting a Tuesday deadline.
  • Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson denied an export permit to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, citing concerns about continued captivity for entertainment, and said welfare‑driven requests will be reviewed quickly.
  • No facility has been identified to accept the full group, a proposed Nova Scotia seaside sanctuary is stalled, and the Vancouver Aquarium says it has no space under current constraints.
  • Provincial animal‑welfare inspectors have been investigating Marineland since 2020 as the closed, for‑sale park faces scrutiny over past cetacean deaths documented by The Canadian Press.