The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) at the federal level has rejected a proposal from Marineland Canada to transfer its 30 remaining beluga whales to a theme park in China. DFO Minister Joanne Thompson stated that she could not ethically approve the export and that her decision was in accordance with regulations under the Fisheries Act aimed at safeguarding marine mammals from exploitation.
Thompson expressed her concerns about perpetuating captivity and public entertainment for the whales if the request had been granted. She emphasized the importance of acting in the whales’ best interests, acknowledging their deteriorating health due to prolonged captivity. Thompson disclosed that her visit to Marineland allowed her to witness firsthand the distressing conditions the belugas were kept in, reinforcing her belief that these animals belong in their natural ocean habitat.
The 2019 Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act prohibits the breeding or entertainment use of whales, dolphins, and porpoises in Canada. Exporting these animals necessitates a specialized federal permit, which can only be issued by the fisheries minister for scientific research purposes or if it benefits the animal’s welfare in captivity elsewhere.
While Thompson indicated future consideration of permit applications focused on the well-being of the whales, she delegated the next course of action for the whales to Marineland and the provincial government. The situation has led to Marineland facing bankruptcy, with plans to surrender the whales for euthanasia, as disclosed by a source.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed disappointment with the federal government’s decision regarding the whales’ relocation. He advocated for ensuring the whales’ well-being in a suitable environment, potentially in smaller groups, to enhance their chances of survival. Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China confirmed its interest in acquiring the belugas.
Marineland Canada did not operate this year and began selling its amusement park attractions. Drone footage captured staff continuing to care for the remaining belugas and dolphins, shedding light on ongoing efforts at the now-closed theme park in Niagara Falls.
The province’s solicitor general, Michael Kerzner, responsible for animal welfare oversight, has conducted numerous inspections at Marineland. Calls for establishing a whale sanctuary off Nova Scotia’s coast as a potential new home for the belugas have been championed by animal rights advocates.
Thompson expressed openness to discussions about a sanctuary but highlighted the early stages of such considerations. Various organizations commended the denial of the export permits, emphasizing the need for optimal care for the belugas and proposing initiatives such as accelerating the sanctuary project or transforming Marineland into a palliative care facility for whales and dolphins under expert supervision.