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8h ago

Ontario Says Marineland’s 30 Belugas Are Alive After Euthanasia Deadline Passes

Ontario confirms the whales remain in Marineland’s care following the park’s threat to kill them if federal help or an export permit was not granted.

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.

Overview

  • Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson last week denied Marineland’s request to export the belugas to a Chinese aquarium, citing concerns about further exploitation.
  • Thompson said she would assess any future export applications quickly, but no approved relocation plan has been announced.
  • Marineland had warned it could no longer afford care for the whales and threatened euthanasia by Tuesday if Ottawa did not provide funding or permit an export.
  • Provincial Animal Welfare Services have been investigating the park since 2020, with officials declining to provide additional details after the deadline.
  • About 20 whales, including 19 belugas and one killer whale, have died at Marineland since 2019; the park closed to the public after summer 2024 and says China’s Chimelong Ocean Kingdom is the only viable taker as sanctuary efforts in Nova Scotia have stalled.