Canada’s Marineland Whales Could Find New Homes in U.S.

Marineland, a closed aquatic park in Ontario, Canada, is likely to send its approximately 30 beluga whales and four dolphins to marine facilities in the United States. The Canadian government initially denied Marineland's request to export the whales to China, citing concerns about continued captivity, which prompted the park to threaten euthanasia. Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson has conditionally approved a new application to send the animals to the U.S., prioritizing the whales' well-being. While animal rights groups acknowledge the move averts euthanasia, they emphasize the need to prevent further breeding in captivity. Marineland is headed toward bankruptcy and had requested government assistance to export the animals.

Marineland, a Canadian aquarium facing scrutiny over animal deaths, is seeking government approval to export its beluga whales to the United States after a previous proposal to send them to China was rejected. The park, which has seen twenty animal deaths since 2019, claims it may have to euthanize the whales if export is not permitted due to resource constraints. A fisheries ministry spokesperson confirmed Marineland's new export permit applications are under review. A former trainer alleges the park intends to sell the belugas to multiple US institutions. The Canadian government previously rejected the China proposal due to concerns about perpetuating the whales' exploitation. Marineland maintains that all beluga deaths at the park have been from natural causes, despite ongoing investigations by animal welfare officials.