Canada’s government has approved a plan to export its last captive beluga whales to the United States, providing them with a chance at survival instead of euthanasia. On January 15, 2024, Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson met with representatives from Marineland, a closed theme park located in Niagara Falls, Ontario, to discuss the relocation of the animals.
Marineland is seeking to transfer its 30 beluga whales and four dolphins to four U.S. institutions, including the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, and SeaWorld, which operates multiple locations across the U.S. During the meeting, Thompson provided conditional approval for export permits, stating, “I will issue the final permits once final required information is received from Marineland.”
The urgency of this decision comes as Marineland urged the minister for assistance, citing severe financial difficulties. In a letter, Thompson noted that the park indicated the animals would face euthanasia if the necessary permits were not approved by January 30, 2024. Marineland expressed appreciation for the minister’s support, stating, “We extend our gratitude to the minister and the Canadian government for prioritizing the lives of these remarkable marine mammals.”
The decision follows Marineland’s recent proposal for an urgent rescue solution, highlighting the plight of the captive animals. Since 2019, the facility has reported the deaths of twenty whales, including one killer whale and 19 belugas, based on records compiled by The Canadian Press.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed his support for the relocation, emphasizing that the whales would have a much better living environment compared to their current conditions. “They’re going to have a better home than where they are because it’s a terrible home they’re in right now,” Ford stated.
Previously, Marineland applied for permits to export its belugas to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China, but Thompson denied those permits, adhering to a 2019 law that prohibits the captivity of whales and dolphins for performance purposes, despite Marineland’s animals being grandfathered under the regulation.
This recent approval represents a significant step towards ensuring the welfare of these marine mammals, offering them a chance at a more suitable habitat. The ongoing discussions between Marineland and U.S. aquariums highlight a collaborative effort aimed at addressing the pressing concerns surrounding marine life welfare and captivity.
