Overview

• Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson denied both an export permit to China and Marineland’s request for emergency federal funds, calling the bailout “inappropriate.”
• Marineland set an Oct. 7 deadline in a letter warning it lacks resources to continue care and may euthanize the 30 belugas without funding or relocation.
• Ontario Premier Doug Ford urged Ottawa to reconsider the export decision or provide a solution, while federal officials pointed to the province’s animal‑welfare remit.
• Animal‑welfare groups pressed Ontario to use its seizure powers under provincial law as inspectors have documented distress and at least 20 whale deaths since 2019.
• Marineland says Chimelong Ocean Kingdom is the only facility able to take the whales, but the minister rejected continued entertainment captivity and no operational sanctuary has been secured.