Premier Doug Ford has expressed a commitment to ensuring the well-being of the remaining 30 belugas at Marineland in Ontario. The amusement park in Niagara Falls is awaiting approval from Ottawa regarding the potential export of the whales. Ford addressed this issue during a news conference where he discussed plans to prohibit speed cameras.
A federal official revealed that Marineland had applied for export permits, with Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson emphasizing that the decision would impact the whales’ health. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) stated that a verdict on the matter is still pending.
The welfare of the belugas has been a contentious topic for years, with concerns raised about their care. Ford noted that the province conducts regular inspections at Marineland, which remained closed this season. He stressed the importance of finding suitable homes for the whales if approved by the federal government to provide them with a better quality of life.
Since 2019, nineteen belugas have died at Marineland, and the last orca, Kiska, passed away in 2023. This year, Marineland did not open, aside from COVID-19 closures, raising uncertainties about the future of the remaining animals. Despite multiple requests for comment, Marineland has not responded.
Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner will meet with Fisheries Minister Thompson soon to discuss the situation. Kerzner, responsible for animal welfare oversight, highlighted the potential for federal legislation to expedite the export permits process to avoid delays.
Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner urged swift action to safeguard the well-being of the belugas in collaboration with experts and government authorities. Meanwhile, Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China is considering purchasing the whales for its marine theme park.
Animal rights advocates are advocating for the whales’ relocation to a seaside sanctuary, although no such facility exists in North America currently. Efforts have been made in Nova Scotia to establish North America’s first coastal refuge for captive whales.
According to Andrew Trites, director of the Marine Mammal Research Unit at the University of British Columbia, assessments of the whales’ health status will be crucial in determining their potential relocation.
