Marineland Seeks Federal Approval to Export Remaining Beluga Whales
Marineland, the now-closed amusement park and zoo in Niagara Falls, Ontario, has applied to the federal government for permits to export all 30 of its remaining beluga whales. This request comes after the park's closure and raises significant questions about the future of these marine mammals.
Potential Destination: Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China
Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, a theme park in Zhuhai, China, is considering purchasing the whales. However, officials at the park told CBC News that a final decision has not yet been made. The potential export has ignited debate surrounding the welfare and ethical considerations of relocating these animals.
Background: Marineland's Closure and Animal Welfare Concerns
This year marks the first time in Marineland's 60-year history (excluding COVID-19 closures) that the park did not open for the season. Since 2019, nineteen belugas have died at the park, and the last remaining orca, Kiska, died in 2023. Concerns about animal welfare at Marineland have been a recurring issue.
The Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act
Canada's Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act (Bill S-203), which came into law in 2019, prohibits the use of cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) for breeding or entertainment. The export of cetaceans is also illegal unless the Minister of Fisheries issues a special permit for scientific research or if it is deemed in the best interest of the cetacean's welfare.
Previous Beluga Exports and Subsequent Deaths
No cetacean export permits have been issued in Canada since May 2021, when five belugas from Marineland were sold to Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut. Tragically, three of those five whales died within two years of the move due to various health conditions, raising questions about the viability and risks associated with such relocations.
Expert Opinions on Beluga Welfare and Relocation
Andrew Trites, director of the Marine Mammal Research Unit at the University of British Columbia, emphasizes that the health of the whales is crucial in determining their suitability for travel. He notes that thorough assessments, including blood work and feeding records, are necessary. "There would be assessments done both with blood work, looking at feeding records to make sure the animal's been feeding consistently, any signs that the animal might be off for any reason."
Government Oversight and Marineland's Response
Ontario's Solicitor General's Office stated that Animal Welfare Services inspectors conduct regular inspections of Marineland to ensure compliance with standards of care, with over 220 visits since 2020. Marineland did not respond to multiple requests from CBC News for more details about its export request. If the export applications are denied, maintaining the whales at Marineland would be costly, requiring engineers, veterinarians, and animal care staff.
Ethical Considerations and Potential Sanctuaries
Camille Labchuk from Animal Justice argues that this decision is a crucial test of the 2019 act. "The government is going to have to grapple with the question of is it in the interests of these whales to be sent to potentially another aquarium where there could be exploitation all over again, there could be breeding all over again, there could be entertainment shows." Labchuk advocates for a seaside sanctuary funded by Marineland, though no such sanctuary currently exists in North America.
Ministerial Decision Pending
A federal official stated that Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson is awaiting a report from her department before making a decision on Marineland's applications. The decision will be made in the best interest of the animals while adhering to the law.
