The federal and Ontario governments are calling on each other to assist 30 belugas at Marineland. The amusement park has threatened to euthanize the whales unless it receives emergency funding from Ottawa. Premier Doug Ford suggested that the federal government reconsider its stance. This comes after the government denied permits for the defunct Niagara Falls park to transfer the belugas to a Chinese aquarium.
Last week, federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson rejected the permit request to move the whales to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom. She emphasized that she did not want the belugas to be used for entertainment in captivity, in line with a law passed in 2019. Marineland, facing financial difficulties, sought emergency funds from the federal government to sustain the whales. The park also asked for help in finding an alternative home for the belugas besides Chimelong.
Following Ottawa’s refusal to provide emergency funds, Marineland stated it was collaborating with the province to find a solution. Premier Ford previously emphasized that relocating the whales was a federal responsibility. Marineland has faced criticism as 19 belugas and one killer whale have died since 2019. Currently, 30 belugas remain at the park, separated by gender, along with other marine animals.
Despite being closed to the public since 2024, Marineland continues to care for the animals. Thompson informed Marineland that emergency funds would not be granted and emphasized the provincial role in animal welfare. She encouraged Marineland to propose a new plan that does not involve captivity and public entertainment for the whales. Animal rights activists have intensified their calls for government intervention to prevent the belugas’ euthanization, urging for a more humane solution than captivity or euthanasia.
