Marineland Threatens Euthanasia of 30 Beluga Whales After Federal Funding Denied

Marineland, the embattled Canadian theme park, has warned it will be forced to euthanize 30 beluga whales if it does not receive emergency federal funding. The park, which closed to the public last year amid intense scrutiny over its animal welfare practices, stated it lacks the resources to continue caring for the animals.

The threat comes after Canada’s Fisheries Minister, Joanne Thompson, declined Marineland’s request for a cash infusion by October 7. Thompson reportedly stated that Marineland’s failure to plan for a viable alternative does not obligate the Canadian government to cover its expenses.

Earlier this month, Canada also rejected Marineland’s proposal to transfer the whales to China’s Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, with Minister Thompson asserting such an export would ‘perpetuate the treatment these belugas have endured.’

Marineland remains in possession of Canada’s last captive whales, despite a 2019 law making it illegal to hold whales, dolphins, or porpoises captive. Reports from the Canadian Press indicate that 20 whales, including 19 belugas, have died at the park since 2019. Inspectors have previously cited poor water quality, declaring all animals at Marineland to be in distress.

While the government maintains that whales belong in the ocean, some experts caution that captive-bred marine mammals cannot be safely returned to the wild without extensive rehabilitation, often lacking crucial hunting and social skills.

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