For decades, Marineland was a destination for Canadian children and their parents who wanted an up-close look at ocean life near Niagara Falls. But behind the aquatic-themed roller coasters and dolphin performances was a dark history of documented mistreatment of animals and lingering financial problems.
Ontario's Animal Welfare Services has conducted multiple investigations over the past several years, visiting the park more than 200 times since 2020, according to CBC News. Amid financial struggles, the park has been trying to get permission to sell 30 beluga whales to China. When their permits were denied, the park said it may have to euthanise the whales.
Now advocates, experts, and officials are looking for ways to save the whales - though few agree on one solution, and some say Marineland's threats to kill its whales are all talk.
The massive aquatic park, started by John and Marie Holer in 1961, occupies over 1,000 acres in Ontario. However, it faces growing scrutiny over its care for animals, including bears and elk. In 2019, Canada passed a bill outlawing the captivity of whales and dolphins, leaving existing animals stranded in a legal gray area.
Criticisms date back years, with a significant investigation revealing all marine life at Marineland was in distress due to poor water quality, which has since improved. Yet, the park was also found guilty of neglecting land animals.
With dwindling visitorship and financial struggles, Marineland has warned that if they cannot find homes for the belugas, euthanasia might be necessary. Although the government has rejected their proposal to sell the whales to an unsuitable Chinese park, potential alternatives remain a topic of debate.
Phil Demers, a former senior trainer at Marineland and now an advocate for the whales, stresses the urgency of relocation and casts doubt on Marineland's claims regarding euthanasia as mere bluster.
Calls for government action intensify, advocating that Ontario officials step in to facilitate a humane outcome for the marine mammals stuck in this precarious situation, with options limited to small sanctuaries that are unable to accommodate all thirty belugas.
The attention on these whales highlights the broader conversation about animal rights and welfare in entertainment facilities, calling for both government accountability and public compassion as time runs out for these beloved creatures.