Marineland Faces Euthanizing Beluga Whales After Funding Request Denied
Niagara Falls, Ontario – marineland, Canada’s controversial theme park, announced it will be forced to euthanize approximately 30 beluga whales if it does not receive emergency funding from the federal government by October 7th. The park’s financial struggles stem from declining attendance at ocean-themed shows and the impact of a 2019 law prohibiting the captivity of whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
The potential mass euthanasia raises serious animal welfare concerns and highlights the complex challenges of transitioning marine mammals bred in captivity. While Fisheries Minister Joyce Murray maintains that whales belong in the ocean, experts caution that belugas born and raised in captivity often lack the skills necessary to survive in the wild. Marineland’s situation underscores a growing global debate about the ethics of keeping marine mammals in captivity and the obligation for their long-term care.
According to reports from The New York Times and CBC News,Marineland management requested a “cash infusion” from the federal government,warning that without it,they would “face the devastating decision of euthanasia.” The request was denied by Minister Murray, who stated, “The fact that Marineland has not planned for a viable option despite raising these whales in captivity for many years, does not place the onus on the Canadian government to cover your expenses.”
The park’s financial difficulties have been mounting since Canada passed legislation in 2019 banning the breeding, acquisition, and keeping of whales, dolphins, and porpoises in captivity, punishable by fines up to $150,000. Prior to the law, inspectors had already declared that all animals at Marineland were in distress due to poor water quality.
The looming euthanasia decision comes as ocean-themed live shows experience declining attendance and increased scrutiny from animal rights campaigners across Western countries. The fate of Marineland’s beluga whales remains uncertain as the October 7th deadline approaches.
